ONCE again there were too many Holes in Arsenal’s team and performance as Slavia Prague nicked a dramatic 1-1 draw in this Europa League quarter-final first leg at the Emirates.
This time it was Tomas Holes who punished the Gunners’ tame efforts, thundering home a header deep in stoppage-time to cancel out a fine opener from late Arsenal sub Nicolas Pepe.
Busy Bukayo Saka and subdued Alexandre Lacazette each missed a glaring chance in a Gunners’ display that probably taught frustrated boss Mikel Arteta little he did not already know.
Here’s how SunSport’s Ian Tuckey rated Arsenal on another night that showed there is a gaping gulf between the Gunners and the Premier League elite they are desperate to return to.
BERND LENO – 7/10
Largely untroubled, particularly in the first half.
Then made an excellent save with his legs while diving the wrong way when Jan Boril drilled a low left-footer soon after the break.
HECTOR BELLERIN – 6
Steady enough, although hardly dynamic on the overlap from right-back. But with fast-raiding Saka in front of him, he could argue there was not much need.
Neatly fed Saka for the only outstanding chance of the first period.
ROB HOLDING – 7
Impressively busy for a centre-back, given he was scarcely called on in defence. Always keen to get forward.
Produced one useful cross before leaping well to head a centre from Cedric over. But was less involved in an attacking sense following the interval.
GABRIEL 6
Little to do of note at the back, but disappointingly headed a half-chance straight into the ground from ten yards midway through the first period.
CEDRIC SOARES – 5
Left-back linked up smoothly but rather tamely with Arsenal’s midfield.
Like so many of Arsenal’s players, didn’t do much wrong but lacked impact.
THOMAS PARTEY – 6
Tried to drive the Gunners forward from the middle of the pitch, showing signs he is settling down after injuries following his summer arrival from Atletico Madrid.
Once strode forward to spread play for Bellerin, whose cross led to Saka wasting a golden opportunity.
Towards the end, swerved a low 25-yarder wide of the post towards the end when a fiercer, higher effort looked the better option.
GRANIT XHAKA – 5
Lacked real influence in the middle of the pitch, and failed to reignite the Gunners when Slavia got back into the contest after the break.
WILLIAN – 4
Anonymous in the opening 45 minutes, the Brazilian then curved a brilliant free-kick of the near post from just outside the right of the area.
Understandably taken off after 73 minutes, with Gabriel Martinelli coming on
EMILE SMITH ROWE – 5
Typical of his team – more subdued than he should be for a creative midfielder when his side are dominant. But some tidy touches.
BUKAYO SAKA – 7
The dominant figure of the first half, often beating his man with ease before fizzing a string of crosses over.
But it didn’t quite add up to as much as it should have, especially when he cut inside and slotted a should-score chance wide of the far post. Faded noticeably before being replaced by Pepe on 78 minutes.
ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE – 5
Limited contribution on and off the ball – apart from two goal attempts highly mediocre for a player of his pedigree. He slashed a decent opening wide before the interval.
Then he burst clear from halfway midway through the second period for an astonishing miss.
Opening up his body as he reached the area and slowed down, the Frenchman sidefooted a right-footer off the right of the crossbar as the keeper approached. Replaced by the far chirpier-looking Aubameyang on 78 minutes.
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SUBS:
Gabriel Martinez (for Willian, 73 mins) – 6
Burst into life by rasping an angled left-footer just high.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (for Lacazette, 77 mins) – 7
Sliced a glaring opening wide from virtually his first touch. But was lively after that.
Nicolas Pepe (for Saka, 78 mins) – 8
Superb control and composure to surge through on 86 minutes and dink the winner in over diving keeper Kolar.
But it was Pepe’s knee that unluckily deflected the ball over for Holes to nod home as he lunged in at the far post.
Mohamed Elneny (for Partey, 78 mins) – 6.
Made little difference.
Dani Ceballos (for Smith Rowe, 88 mins) – 6.
On too late to get involved
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
