Arsenal 1-1 Slavia Prague: PLAYER RATINGS

April 08, 2021, Kick-Off 8pm

Emirates Stadium

Europa League quarter final, first leg

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Bernd Leno  5/10

Not called into action until the 35th minute. Often kicked long from goal kicks with a varying degree of accuracy. Couldn’t keep out Holes’ last minute header just after making a brilliant save that caused the corner.

Hector Bellerin (C)  5.5/10

Good one on one and offered options going forward.

Rob Holding 6.5/10

Covered Bellerin’s forward runs well in his first Europa League start this season but was no stranger to an attacking venture himself. A really solid performance from the 25 year old.

Gabriel Magalhães  6.5/10

Gabriel had very, very little to do in defence in the first half in a performance that will hopefully be a confidence boost for the Brazilian. Kept Slavia’s top scorer Abdullah Sima very quiet with a dominant display.

Cedric Soares  4/10

Tucked in alongside the centre backs when Arsenal were out of possession and wasn’t always supported by Willian. Will never replicate the attacking drive of Kieran Tierney but does a job at left back. Caught out at the far post for Slavia's equaliser

Thomas Partey  3.5/10

It still feels like we are fairly far away from seeing the full potential of the Ghanaian midfielder. Decision making and passing were clear problems tonight.

Granit Xhaka  6/10

Midfield looked much more balanced than on Saturday with the left footer alongside Partey.

Bukayo Saka  6/10

Missed a fantastic opportunity in the first half where he couldn’t quite wrap his foot around the ball. Constantly lively and won multiple set pieces in good areas.

Emile Smith-Rowe  5/10

Much like Martin Odegaard against Liverpool, most attacks avoided Smith-Rowe and went down the flanks instead. Arteta should be focusing on how to get the best out of the England U21 star.

Willian  5.5/10

Very unfortunate to hit the post with a free kick at the start of the second half. Substituted with 17 minutes to go.

Alexandre Lacazette  5/10

Looked eager throughout, but missed chances will spoil a decent performance. Somehow missed a glaring opportunity in the 61st minute going 1 on 1 with the goalkeeper after doing all the hard work to pressure Slavia’s defence.

Martinelli (Sub, 73’)  7/10

It will be hard to find an Arsenal fan who is not desperate to see Martinelli start for the Gunners. Almost found the top corner with a left footed strike.

Mohamed Elneny (Sub, 77’)  6/10

Part of the collective impact of Arteta’s 4 substitutions in 4 minutes, and might be in contention to start against Sheffield United on Sunday after another stinker from Thomas Partey.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Sub, 77’)  6/10

Guided a shot wide immediately after coming on, in acres of space in the box. Assisted Pepe’s winner.

Nicolas Pepe (Sub, 77‘)  7/10

Broke the deadlock with four minutes to go with a burst of pace and a clever finish.

Dani Ceballos (Sub, 88’)

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Subs not used: Ryan (GK), Hein (GK), Mari, Lopez, Ceballos, Azeez, Nelson, Nketiah