FREDDIE LJUNGBERG’S first match in charge of Arsenal ended in a draw as his side fought back from behind twice in a pulsating 2-2 affair against Norwich.
Twice Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang equalised for the North London side after goals from Teemu Pukki and Todd Cantwell put the Canaries ahead.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted twice for Arsenal as they drew 2-2 against NorwichCredit: Reuters
And if it wasn’t for the brilliance of Bernd Leno, the visitors would have left Carrow Road with nothing.
Once again Arsenal were exposed defensively, but Ljungberg will be delighted at how his team kept battling until the full-time whistle.
But the simple fact is that it is now eight games without a win for Arsenal.
Here’s how Jake Lambourne rated and slated the Gunners.
BERND LENO – 9
Couldn’t do anything for Norwich’s goals in the first half. Made a number of emphatic saves in the second period to keep Norwich at bay.
One of the best goalkeeping performances you will see this season.
CALUM CHAMBERS – 5
Constantly bombed down the right flank as he looked to provide support, but was too slow getting back to his position. Cantwell’s goal will go down as his fault as he was the one to leave the gaping gap.
But the ex-Southampton man is not a right-back.
SHKODRAN MUSTAFI – 5
Unfortunate not to have netted the opener after his header was cleared off the line. Unlucky for Pukki’s opener as his effort deflected off him.
Not a great performance defensively, but certainly a better option that Sokratis.
Bernd Leno was Arsenal’s star man against the Canaries at Carrow RoadCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Calum Chambers struggled defensively against Norwich as he often left gaps openCredit: AFP or licensors
DAVID LUIZ – 5
Allowed Pukki to run off him for the opener as he failed to track his run. But the Brazilian did make a number of key tackles.
SEAD KOLASINAC – 6
A constant outlet down the left and was dangerous with the ball at his feet. But his end product continues to let him down.
GRANIT XHAKA – 7
Guilty of a few misplaced passes, but Arsenal certainly play better with him in the team. Always looked for a pass forward and to set his team-mates up with a chance.
Always the scapegoat, fans will still find a way to criticise his performance even when he plays well.
MATTEO GUENDOUZI – 6
Like Xhaka, was always looking to move the ball forward and was neat and tidy in possession.
Granit Xhaka put in a great display on the road on his return to the starting XI in the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters
JOE WILLOCK – 5
Often found himself in the final third but lacked the end product whether it was a killer pass or getting a shot on goal.
MESUT OZIL – 6
His free-kick won Arsenal the penalty, and his corner in the second half got the Gunners back on level terms. But other than his brilliant set piece deliveries, his impact from open play was minimal.
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG – 8
Put a number of fantastic crosses into the box from either wing and tucked away his penalty at the second attempt emphatically.
His finish for his second goal was clinical as he arrowed his effort into the top corner.
ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE – 4
Couldn’t get himself into the game at all as he often found himself as a passenger watching the game go past him.
A performance to forget for the Frenchman.
SUBS
LUCAS TORREIRA – 7
Brought on in the 70th minute for Willock, the Uruguayan midfielder made a number of key interceptions.
His last-ditch tackle deep into stoppage time to stop Norwich from making it 3-2 was nothing short of superb.
BUKAYO SAKA – 5
No Arsenal player featured more under Ljungberg for the Under-23s than the teenage winger last season.
But the youngster failed to make an impression after coming on in the 78th minute.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 5
Could do nothing in the little time he was given having came on in the 89th minute.
Fans will be wondering why the starlet wasn’t given more of an opportunity.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
