Arsenal scraped through to beat Ludogorets in the Bulgarian’s side backyard, thanks to a sublime finish from Mesut Ozil, guaranteeing the Gunners qualification from the Group Stages of the Champions League.
With that being said, here are my Arsenal player ratings from tonight’s game (feel free to disagree with me if you want):
David Ospina – The Colombian was the busier of the goalkeepers tonight. Made some good saves, in particular, one where he was quick off his line to deny an almost certain goal for the Bulgarian side. Decent outing for the second-choice shot-stopper. 7/10
Carl Jenkinson – Got down the right flank well and offered Arsenal an extra man attacking when going forward. Sent in some decent crosses and defender adequately throughout. Got tired in the latter stages of the match, but it’s good to see him back in the first-team fold. Booked. 6/10
Shkodran Mustafi – The German defender had an average game to his standards. Was a bit clumsy at times in his decision-making, but certainly the best we got to be playing alongside Koscielny. 6/10
Laurent Koscielny – Was solid throughout and kept things composed at the back. 6.5/10
Kieran Gibbs – Like Jenkinson on the right, Gibbs did on the left. His positioning could have been better at times, but going forward is where his strengths lie. 6/10
Francis Coquelin – Got stuck in and kept things simple in midfield. Made a decisive clearance in the dying minutes of the game which saved Arsenal their blushes. Booked. 6/10
Granit Xhaka – Booked, it’s what we’ve come to expect from the Swiss midfielder. Apart from his booking, Xhaka did well alongside Coquelin in midfield and got forward when he could. Scored Arsenal’s first with a cool finish. 6.5/10
Aaron Ramsey – His first start after recovering from his injury and the Welshman did alright. Got into good positions and assisted the second goal for the Gunners, but clearly isn’t at his fittest yet. 6/10
Mesut Ozil – Assisted one in the first 45 and scored an absolute world-class goal to win the game for the Gunners (you must see it if you haven’t). Man of the Match. 7.5/10
Alexis Sanchez – Was deployed back on the wing to accommodate Giroud. Made some good runs down the flank and always tried to link up with the French striker and Ozil. Was always involved and wanted the ball. 7/10
Olivier Giroud – Started off slow, but got Arsenal’s second with a nice header after beating the goalkeeper to it. His major contribution in the second-half was winning the ball back which led to Arsenal’s winner. 6.5/10
SUBS:
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – Came on for Ramsey with 15 minutes left to play. Got into some decent positions and cracked a shot wide. 5/10
Mohamed Elneny – On for Xhaka in the 87th minute. Was the man who sent Ozil off to win the game with a delightful high ball. 6/10
Alex Iwobi – Replaced Sanchez on the 90th minute. N/A
