Mikel Arteta made 7 changes to the team that faced Manchester City in an attempt to change Arsenal’s fortunes and welcome in some new signings.
It was a quick start from Arsenal but they couldn’t get a goal and the intensity to which they started the game quickly tailed off around 25 minutes into the game.
They did get their breakthrough and first goal of the season though in the second half, with Pepe hit the post twice, before accidentally assisting Aubameyang to tap in.
It was a very nervous finish. It didn’t need to be, the Gunners had plenty of chances in the second half to convert. Despite only netting once, Arsenal managed to hold on for the three points.
Use our player rater tool below to have your say on how the players performed, and see the average of all the other fans. Scroll down to see how we rated the players and who we chose at the man of the match and flop of the match.
Here’s how I rated the players.
Aaron Ramsdale – 7
Takehiro Tomiyasu – 7
Ben White – 7
Gabriel Magalhaes – 8
Kieran Tierney – 7
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 6
Albert Sambi Lokonga – 8
Nicolas Pepe – 7
Martin Odegaard – 6
Bukayo Saka – 6
Pierre Emerick Aubameyang – 7
Subs: Smith Rowe – 6, Partey – 6, Cedric – 6
Man of the match: Albert Sambi Lokonga. With both Xhaka and Partey not in the side, Lokonga was the man Arsenal needed to take control of that midfield and he played with a big maturity beyond his years.
Flop of the match: Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Wasn’t terrible, but had a big chance today in midfield and didn’t really take it.