in

Arsenal player ratings: David Luiz and Thomas Partey shine but Soares shows Arsenal miss Tierney at left-back


ARSENAL extended their unbeaten league run to seven games after a goalless draw against Manchester United.

Alexandre Lacazette came closest when his free-kick cannoned the cross bar in the second half.

Alexandre Lacazette cannoned the crossbar with a free-kickCredit: Reuters

Nicolas Pepe and Willian also had decent opportunities but it was Arsenal’s centre-backs who deserve the plaudits after an important clean sheet.

Here’s how SunSport’s Richard Forrester rated Arsenal’s players.

Bernd Leno – 7

Brilliant save to deny Fred on 20 mins tipping it round the post.

Didn’t have much else to do but called upon when needed.

Hector Bellerin – 6

A solid, if unspectacular, game. Most of United’s attacks came down the left.

Shaw did get around him a couple of times in the second half but was bailed out by his team-mates.

Rob Holding – 7

Further cementing his reputation as a key player in Mikel Arteta’s side.

Will feel it is job done tonight after playing his part in keeping an important clean sheet.

David Luiz – 8

Impressive keeping United’s wealth of attacking options relatively quiet.

Looks assured next to Holding who appears to have the safety-first approach.

Showed his leadership on the pitch by screaming instructions at his team-mates… and made an impressive block.

David Luiz was impressive at the heart of Arsenal’s defenceCredit: Tom Jenkins-The Guardian

Cedric Soares – 5

Booked early on for an arm in Bruno Fernandes’ face. Found it tricky at left-back with most of United’s attacks coming down his side.

Rashford gave him a tough time but luckily for him the England striker wasn’t at his best.

Granit Xhaka – 7

Had a quiet game by his accounts but barely put a foot wrong.

Potential to form a solid partnership alongside Partey in midfield.

Thomas Partey – 8

Great at drifting through the midfielder driving forward. Arsenal certainly look more solid with him in the side.

His biggest compliment was managing to keep Fernandes quiet for long periods.

Emile Smith Rowe – 7

Showed his potential yet again and doesn’t look out of place in Arsenal’s midfield.

Impressive breaking forward from deep and had bags of energy. But lack of quality with his final ball let him down.

Nicolas Pepe – 8

Was lively in the opening 45 minutes. Whistled a shot just wide of the target after half an hour and gave Luke Shaw a difficult time.

Was Arsenal’s best-attacking threat for the first hour but drifted as the game went on. Had his side’s best chance but stuck it wide.

 BEST BETS TODAY: GET THE TOP PRICES AND BOOSTS AVAILABLE

Nicolas Pepe looked lively out on the right wingCredit: EPA

Gabriel Martinelli – 5

Certainly still finding his match fitness. Offered more defensively than offensively in the first half.

Nearly pulled off a superb assist but Lacazette couldn’t reach the cross. Subbed off at half-time.

Alexandre Lacazette – 6

Desperately unlucky to hit the woodwork with a brilliant free-kick to open the scoring.

Was marked out of the game by United’s center-backs for long periods and often looked isolated. Worked hard in attack.

Subs

Willian – 6

Came on at half-time and caused instant problems on the right. Had a golden opportunity but lacked any conviction in his shot.

Odegaard – N/A

Nketiah – N/A

⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he thinks it was a 50-50 game as Man Utd draw with Arsenal


Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk


Tagcloud:

Arsenal players walk out to WWE wrestling legend Kane’s entrance music for second half of Man Utd clash