ARSENAL escaped with an unlikely point against Standard Liege thanks to Bukayo Saka’s brilliant performance in Belgium.
The 18-year-old found Alexandre Lacazette with a wonderful delivery, before netting soon after with a beautifully struck finish from outside the box.
Bukayo Saka scored the leveller to highlight his potentialCredit: PA:Empics Sport
It was another sub-par performance from the Gunners who were outplayed throughout the second half.
But after going 2-0 down, the young Arsenal side battled back and secured top spot in Group F.
Here’s how SunSport’s Jake Lambourne rated and slated the North Londoners…
EMILIANO MARTINEZ – 5
Was lucky his poor pass to David Luiz wasn’t latched upon by Renaud Emond. Was powerless to save the two deflected shots.
SOKRATIS – 4
Made a number of important tackles, blocks and headers, but his turn of pace shows why the club need a new centre-back in January.
He still sprints out to try and make a challenge, and is often easily turned. Turned his back on Standard’s first goal which deflected off of him and beyond Martinez.
KONSTANTINOS MAVROPANOS – 4
Making his first appearance of the season for the senior side, you can forgive the 22-year-old for looking nervous.
He was guilty of poor passes and looked sloppy in possession. It wasn’t a good performance, and I wouldn’t be shocked if he doesn’t feature again for a few months.
DAVID LUIZ – 5
Often tried to find a killer pass from the back, but failed with almost every attempt.
The only centre-half to bring the ball out of the back well.
AINSLEY MAITLAND-NILES – 5
The right full-back often drove down the right channel for support, but was again wasteful with his crosses.
He wasn’t solid either defensively as he was caught out with through balls behind him.
Alexandre Lacazette scored but had a poor night otherwise as he struggled to get on the ballCredit: Reuters
BUKAYO SAKA – 8
A constant threat down the left flank, and should have had at least two goals in the first half after missing an abundance of chances.
His emphatic cross for Lacazette got the score back to 2-1 before he netted moments after in brilliant fashion. Top performance.
JOE WILLOCK – 5
Worked tirelessly in the middle of the pitch, but struggled to find the all important pass. At fault for the second goal.
MATTEO GUENDOUZI – 5
Was neat and tidy in possession, but like Willock, often dallied on the ball.
EMILE SMITH ROWE – 7
Was a menace whenever he was on the ball. Constantly dribbled past players when driving with the ball, and was unlucky not to break the deadlock early on.
REISS NELSON – 5
Looked to always run with the ball and create an opportunity. Linked up well with Saka, but wasn’t hugely impressive.
Not the player fans were expecting following his impressing loan spell at Hoffenheim.
ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE – 5
Hardly touched the ball, and was often a passenger watching the game go past him.
But he popped up with a goal when Arsenal needed him as he made no mistake with a header from close range.
SUBS
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6
Came on in the 68th minute and combined with Saka brilliantly for the goal. Despite being 18, he simply has to start every game.
CALUM CHAMBERS – 5
On for Maitland-Niles in the 77th minute, he was guilty of some misplaced passes.
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG – 6
Proved to be a threat straight away after coming on in the 84th minute for Smith Rowe. His dangerous cross late on almost resulted in a winner for the visitors.
Arsenal qualify top of the group after lucky draw in Europa League against Standard Liege
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
