ARSENAL were again embarrassed at the Emirates – not that anyone was there to see it.
In a match that looked more like an FA Cup youth fixture with half the seats occupied, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s opener was cancelled out by a Daichi Kamada double.
Gabriel Martinelli was the lone bright spark as Arsenal lost to Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: Reuters
After being stunned in North London, the Gunners had no response, and without another late equaliser it leaves Unai Emery under excruciating pressure.
Here’s how Jack Figg rated Emery’s struggling, and lacklustre performers.
Emiliano Martinez – 5/10
Not at fault for the first goal as Kamada struck venomously to his right having cut in from the left. Possibly the keeper will be disappointed not to have got down to his right for the second.
Shkodran Mustafi – 5
Was first to react from Xhaka’s headed clearance for the second goal but cut short his effort to block the shot that resulted in the goal.
Sokratis – 6
Played the deeper of the pair and looked to lead well at the back but lost possession at times the Gunners needed to start an attack from the back.
Calum Chambers – 4
Caught hopelessly out of position several times with Frankfurt taking advantage of the exposed right side of the Arsenal defence.
The defender was keen to get forward but lacked desire to track back.
Kieran Tierney – 5
The Scot was rarely bombing down the left wing in the opening half, a trait that has seen him stand out in the struggling side so far this season.
Covered his flank well on the retreat but in a game Arsenal needed an inspiring cross, the full-back did not deliver.
Granit Xhaka – 5
Received a positive response from the off after his civil war with fans, and the Swiss put in a consistent, but uninspiring performance making sure there were no reasons to make backpage news.
That was until he was seen laughing at full-time.
Calum Chambers had a night to forget in front of an empty EmiratesCredit: AFP or licensors
David Luiz – 5
Played in midfield for the first time since his Chelsea days. The Brazilian looked comfortable in possession but further up the field made him more prone to rush in recklessly looking to steal possession only to come away empty handed.
An injury in the 30th minute saw Matteo Guendouzi replace the defender-come-midfielder.
Joe Willock – 5
Given free range to move the ball around in the No10 and the starlet made some driving runs picking up the ball deep and laying it out wide liking up well with Martinelli.
Martinelli played through the midfielder just after the restart but Willock’s effort was blocked well.
Gabriel Martinelli – 8
An excellent performance by the 19-year-old who has made this tournament his own. Driving runs and smart movement off the ball, Martinelli was a menace on the right and provided the assist for the opening goal.
Bringing off the forward was a decision most Arsenal fans would be queuing to ask Emery.
Bakayo Saka – 5
Good energy down the right often was ruined by a lack of final product. Saka had no problem driving at defenders, but came unstuck when it was time to release the ball.
Too many times the youngster was wasteful in the final third, where ruthlessness was instead needed.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 4
A frustrating opening 45 for the Gunners skipper saw him end the half with an opening goal latching on to Martinelli’s cross and Saka’s wild swing. Good reactions from the striker to quickly drill his effort down low.
But the second half was no better for the forward who lacked serious motivation to create chances, often not even making runs into the box.
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Subs: Matteo Guendouzi – 6
Made an impact defensively for Arsenal giving the midfield a better shape and showed positivity on the ball.
Though the Frenchman was way overrun in midfield, with little support offered.
Mesut Ozil – 5
With the Gunners dying out for some creativity Ozil failed to make an impact.
Perhaps given too little time to do so, or stuck out in his unfavoured wide position, but the German wasn’t able to repay the fans for their clear support of him.
Lucas Torreira – 5
Came on for Mustafi but the usually energetic midfielder looked deflated – maybe because his manager would rather play Luiz, a defender, in midfield.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
