Player Ratings: Arsenal 2-0 Manchester City (FA Cup)

Having recently lost 3-0 to City at the Etihad and facing a side who have become specialists in picking up domestic silverware, Arsenal went into the game as strong underdogs with bookies even quoting odds at 8/1 for a win for the gunners. Despite that, there was clear a belief in the squad having just beat Liverpool in such a determined manner. Against all odds Arsenal came out 2-0 victors with Aubameyang scoring both goals and a performance that merited the result even more so than the previous run out against Liverpool.

Here’s how we rated the players…

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Emiliano Martinez – 8

Unexpectedly quiet game in the shot stopping department for Emi who made a single save in the game but when called upon made a sharp stop down to his left preventing Mahrez from scoring. Calm with the ball at his feet and commanded the box well, Leno will certainly have to earn his place back in this team.

Hector Bellerin – 7.5

A very solid performance and didn’t put a foot wrong but nothing particularly stood out in his game. Clear improvements shown in recent times but a long way to go to get back to where he was.

Shkodran Mustafi – 7.5

As he has been for the most part under Arteta, Mustafi looked very solid again today, comfortable in the back three. His rating could have been higher if not for a very risky challenge in the box and almost gifted City a goal losing the ball in our area.

David Luiz – 9

Easily his best performance in an Arsenal shirt. Won everything in the air, blocked an almost certain goal and created a brilliant chance for Aubameyang early on in which the striker was unable to finish. Proving his doubters wrong.

Kieran Tierney – 9

Running out of words to describe this man. Another outstanding performance from a player who would die for the shirt. Won everything and was positionally excellent considering he’s new to the role.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 8 

Brought in the team to nullify Mahrez and did exactly that. Impressive defensive performance and made a few adventurous runs but quality for the final ball on his weaker foot wasn’t quite there.

Dani Ceballos – 8

Another excellent performance from Ceballos, becoming a player pivotal in our system and his partnership with Xhaka is gaining a real understanding. Rating only hindered by a blind pass he made that almost set up a City goal. Easy to forget he’s only 23 and if the right deal can be made he’d be an excellent signing.

Granit Xhaka – 8.5

Demonstrating to everyone just how important he is in the team. Consistently solid every game nowadays and clearly taking on instructions well as his positioning when City got into crossing areas was perfect intercepting the cutback numerous times.

Nicolas Pepe – 7.5

Yesterday was a glimpse at what Pepe is capable of, he might not be setting the world alight just yet but every performance there is visible improvement in this very defensive setup. Not everything came off for him on the day but his delivery for the goal was inch perfect and unstoppable.

Alex Lacazette – 8

A performance that might go under the radar but was very impressive. Dropped deep to collect the ball and link up play, held the ball up well despite limited service and ran himself into the ground.

Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang – 9

A world-class performance from a world-class striker. Missed a decent chance early on but didn’t let it get to him, scored two excellent finishes and lead the team from the front. Would be huge for the club if he signs the contract.

Substitutes:

Willock – 6

Came on for Pepe in the 72nd minute. Fed off scraps but made some positive runs and ended up being the most fouled player in the game. This game also became the 42nd match in which he has featured in this season and he’s becoming a very useful player to be able bring off the bench.

Torreira – 5

Came on for Lacazette in the 78th minute due to a need for fresh legs and a runner. Had little impact on the game but no discredit to him as he did what was asked in helping shield the defence from the waves of late City attacks.

Holding – N/A

Came on in the 87th minute after Mustafi took a knock. Made a single tackle and headed clearance but didn’t play for long enough to get a rating.

Kolasinac – N/A

Subbed on in the 88th minute for Ceballos. Wasted a few precious seconds but didn’t have a chance to 
make any impact on the game.

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