Arsenal advanced in the Europa League on Thursday night with a confident and comprehensive 3-0 win in Norway.
Runarsson – 7
A clean sheet for our Icelandic keeper. Had one moment of madness but looked comfortable with the ball at his feet, he’ll be happy with that performance.
Cedric – 6
Luiz – 6 (came off at half time injured)
Mustafi – 6
Maitland-Niles – 6
All of the back four were pretty much untested and had decent games, but nothing special.
Joe Willock – 7.5
Played in a deeper role but still got forward and excelled in the final third, assisting Pepe and Nelson’s goals with two good crosses. Showed why he should always be in the matchday squad.
Granit Xhaka – 6
Similar to the defence, did the basics but nothing more.
Alex Lacazette – 5
Played in a different role (number 10) but looked a bit lethargic as usual.
Nicolas Pepe – 8.5
Back with a bang. Some excellent play, unlucky not to score two, but got his goal in the end. Shame he is suspended for three Premier League games, but hopefully he can build some confidence up in the remaining Europa League games.
Reiss Nelson – 7.5
A promising performance from Reiss and he got his goal. Needs to try and carry this form into the Premier League, especially with Pepe suspended.
Eddie Nketiah – 4
Really poor, is struggling to find any sort of form this season, not even scoring his simple chances. Pepe gave him a great chance to nod in, but fluffed his lines.
Subs:
Holding – 6
Ceballos – 6
Tierney – 6
Smith Rowe – 6.5 – good to see him on the pitch and an assist for the 3rd!
Balogun – 7 – Given 10 mins, did a lot more than Nketiah for 80 and got his first senior goal. Deserves to start the remaining two Europa League games.