Arsenal continue their unbeaten run in all competitions which now stretches to 22 games after a 1-0 win over Qarabag at the Emirates tonight.
Unai Emery rested a lot of key players ahead of the club’s Premier League fixture against Southampton on Sunday, and there were plenty of opportunities for the young Gunners to shine.
So, here are my Arsenal payer ratings from tonight’s game:
Emiliano Martinez – Made his first start for Arsenal this season under Emery and hardly had anything to do. 6/10
Carl Jenkinson – Although he got forward well, his positioning and delivery into the box was off. Luckily, the Gunners weren’t playing a better side. 5.5/10
Sokratis – Solid as always. The Greek had hardly anything to and never broke a sweat. 6.5/10
Laurent Koscielny – First start this season for Arsenal after returning from a long-term Achilles injury and never looked like he was missing. Good game to get some match practise. 6.5/10
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – Did really well at left-back tonight. Got forward at every opportunity and looked comfortable on the ball. Was switched to right midfield position in the middle of the second half and was just as good. 6.5/10
Mohamed Elneny – Wasn’t troubled in the middle of the park. Misplaced a few passes but did well overall. 5.5/10
Joe Willock – Made some decent runs into space and in forward positions but was a bit sloppy in possession at times. 6/10
Eddie Nketiah – Started off on the right wing where he caused problems with his pace and got better as the game went on and was switched to the main striker. 6/10
Mesut Ozil – Always looked to create and dropped deep to receive the ball and get things going for Arsenal. Set up the goal but second-half, the German was quiet. Decent game. 6.5/10
Bukayo Saka – His pace and trickery caused problems to Qarabag’s defence and always looked threatening when in possession. Needed to release the ball earlier at times, but a good start to the 17-year-olds career at the Emirates. Man of the Match 7.5/10
Alexandre Lacazette – Despite scoring the winner, the French striker had a quiet game and was subbed at the 62nd minute. 6.5/10
SUBS:
Zech Medley – On for Lacazette and placed in the left-back position where he made some decent passes and kept position well. 6/10
Nacho Monreal – Replaced Koscielny with 20 minutes to go and played alongside Sokratis at the back. 5/10
Charlie Gilmour – Came on in the 83rd minute for Ozil. 5/10
