FOLARIN BALOGUN showed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazete how it’s done with another stirring performance off the bench.
Arsenal were already through as table-toppers before the Europa League clash against Dundalk, but an exciting game finished 4-2 to Mikel Arteta’s side.
Folarin Balogun netted again off the bench to give Mikel Arteta something to think aboutCredit: Reuters
Mohamed Elneny netted a worldie, with Eddie Nketiah and Joe Willock also finding the net.
The goalscoring was rounded off by 19-year-old American striker Balogun from the bench as he continues to impress.
Here, SunSport’s John Hutchinson rates how the Gunners fared.
Runar Runarsson – 6
Must have been bored witless in the first half, though will have been thankful for some wasted efforts.
Beaten a bit too easily by Dundalk’s second but he might have been as shocked as we all were by Hoare’s brilliance in the air.
Calum Chambers – 7
First start for over a year for Chambers following his bad injury.
Nice way to come back in a back three and was rarely troubled and eager to pass out. He even thought he’d scored at the end before seeing the linesman’s flag.
Mohamed Elneney impressed before he was rested to the benchCredit: Focus Images
Shkodran Mustafi – 6
Quite why the error-prone German was named captain is anyone’s guess.
Barely troubled, but you would expect that – not sure what benefit the experienced defender gets from a Europa League ‘run-out’.
Pablo Mari – 7
Many Arsenal fans will have expected Mari to be a first-team regular this season, but he has been overlooked.
Comfortable night’s work for the Spaniard and surely should be in with a shout for some more competitive fixtures.
Cedric Soares – 7
At least he doesn’t commit as many foul-throws as his competition at right-back Hector Bellerin.
A solid back-up, just doesn’t really stand out. Your typical 7/10 every game.
Joe Willock must surely be pressing his claims for a first-team spotCredit: PA:Press Association
Joe Willock – 8
Seems to be the focus of a lot of Arteta’s shouting each game.
But replied to his boss’ urgings with a nice finish for goal number three.
Mohamed Elneny – 8
The Egyptian has been one of the few shining lights this season – saving his Arsenal career.
His goal, only the third one he has scored for the Gunners, was a beauty as he rocketed one in from 30-yards.
Elneny decided to rocket one in from 30 yardsCredit: Rex Features
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 6
Solid without starring.
Unsure if the player and the manager know where his best position in this team is yet.
Nicolas Pepe – 5
Hardly looked bothered as he was outmuscled by Jordan Flores who went on to crash home Dundalk’s first.
This was surely a chance to prove his world-class talents – but, as usual, that didn’t happen.
Eddie Nketiah – 8
Captialised on some shocking defending with a beautiful chipped finish for the opener.
Was not happy going off for Balogun, as clearly wanted to move further ahead as Arsenal’s top scorer.
Eddie Nketiah is now Arsenal’s top scorerCredit: Inpho
Emile Smith Rowe – 6
Could do with another loan spell at a lower-Prem/high Championship side.
Neat and tidy in possession, but seems to be lacking that X-factor that Arsenal could do with right now.
Substitutes
Dani Ceballos (replaced Elneny, 62) – 5
Barely noticed the Spanish midfielder when he came on.
Not sure what Arteta wants him to be in the middle of the park.
Folarin Balogun (replaced Nketiah, 62) – 8
Beautiful hold-up play to lay in Willock for Arsenal’s third goal. His team-mates will have been delighted for the youngster – maybe not Nketiah though.
And even less so when he scored for the second Europa League game in a row with a composed finish. Scoring when Lacazette and Aubameyang aren’t.
Folarin Balogun continued to enhance his growing reputationCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Ben Cottrell (replaced Smith Rowe, 77) – 6
Proud moment for the Englishman as he made his Arsenal debut when the team were coasting home.
Miguel Aze (replaced Willock, 82)
Not enough time to impress.
Not used: Bukayo Saka, Rob Holding, Matt Macey, , Karl Jacob Hein.
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Dundalk boss Filippo Giovagnoli speaking to Arsenal Fan TV about Mikel Arteta
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
