IT’S back to the drawing board for Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal looked lifeless at times during Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Leeds at Elland Road.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang failed to make is mark on the game at Elland RoadCredit: AP:Associated Press
Arteta moved Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang into a central role in a bid to help the striker find his shooting boots again.
But it was another disasterclass for the striker, who has scored just two league goals this season.
Nicolas Pepe was given his marching orders for a silly headbutt – but there are some positives for Arsenal to take.
Here’s how SunSport’s Joe Miles rated the Gunners…
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Bernd Leno – 7
Made an impressive save in the first half to deny Patrick Bamford from close range.
The keeper got Arsenal out of trouble as he made a great save to parry Stuart Dallas’ effort out of play.
Leno did very well to keep a clean sheet as Leeds had 22 shots on goal.
Hector Bellerin – 5
Bellerin got caught out of position in the first half, but Dallas sent his effort wide of the woodwork.
A very mediocre performance from the stylish Spaniard, who failed to back up Arteta’s claims that he was getting back to his best.
Rob Holding – 6
The defender made a number of crucial clearances and tackles to keep Leeds at bay.
It was a busy afternoon for the 25-year-old, but at times he gave Leeds’ attackers too much time on the ball.
Gabriel – 5
The centre-half almost gifted Leeds a goal as he failed to clear the ball in the first half – but Leno saved Bamford’s effort.
He struggled to deal with the relentless pressure from Marcelo Bielsa’s men.
Kieran Tierney – 7
The former Celtic star looked dangerous as he charged up the left flank with the ball at his feet.
As well impressing up the pitch, the 23-year-old was solid defensively for the most part.
He was one of the only Arsenal players to battle until the very final whistle.
Dani Ceballos was the best of a bad bunch during the 0-0 draw Credit: PA:Press Association
Granit Xhaka – 6
The Swiss star tracked ball relentlessly to help out Arsenal’s defenders, who were under pressure a lot in the first half.
He looks at his best when he’s alongside Ceballos in the middle of the park.
Dani Ceballos – 7
The Spaniard kept his spot in the squad despite his training ground bust-up with David Luiz.
He had Arsenal’s first chance of the game, but his effort from outside of the box glided just wide of the post.
Ceballos was one of Arsenal’s better players as he latched onto every lose ball and dominated the midfield.
Gunners flop Nicolas Pepe was sent off in the second half Credit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail
Nicolas Pepe – 3
The £72million signing was sent off in the second half after he headbutted Ezgjan Alisoki.
It was a shocking reaction from Pepe, who failed to make his mark while on the pitch.
He hit the crossbar – but it looked more like he tried to cross the ball than shoot.
Joe Willock – 4
A quiet performance by the 21-year-old, particularly in the first half at Elland Road.
He failed to show why he deserves a spot in Arsenal’s starting XI.
Willian – 6
He was given another chance after he was ‘dealt with internally’ for jetting to Dubai during the international break.
He held his own in the battle against Leeds star Luke Ayling on the left, but was hauled off at half-time.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 5
A very slow first half for the Gabon international – who endured a nightmare international break.
A lack of service combined with a lack of urgency left him seeing very little of the ball.
He started as the central striker – as advised by Paul Merson – but failed to make his mark.
Subs
Runarsson – N/A
Shkodran Mustafi -N/A
Maitland-Niles – He came off the bench in place of Saka in stoppage time.
Bukayo Saka – Replaced Willock in the 57th minute.
Reiss Nelson – Was put on for Willian at half time.
Eddie Nketiah – N/A
Alexandre Lacazette – N/A
Arsenal boss Arteta insists Willian’s international break trip to Dubai has been resolved
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
