Basel at home is done and dusted, an easy 2-0 win for the Gunners!
The Swiss have to feel lucky it’s only 2-0 because our boys totally bossed the match and the result should have been much bigger! Every player was once again focused and on top of his game; beautiful to watch.
David Ospina – 7
Ospina started as per usual in Champions League. He was once again reliable although slightly less busy than in Paris. He saved what needed to be saved, including some really great shots from the Basel team.
Hector Bellerin – 8.5
Another amazing performance from Hector! He was everywhere, always joining in attacks and creating great chances, but also present in defence when needed thanks to his amazing speed. He created quite a few chances and had a shot or two himself as well. Brilliant match.
Shkodran Mustafi – 8
What a great player we have in Mustafi! So reliable in defence even after only a month at the club. Just look at some of his stats: 4/4 tackles, 4/4 clearances, 6/7 aerial duels! Amazing.
Laurent Koscielny – 8
Captain Koscielny had a great match in defence, as per usual. He wasn’t tested as much as against PSG but he did well when it was needed.
Nacho Monreal – 7.5
Looked good in defence and joined a few attacks up front, even almost scored. He wasn’t too busy as well.
Granit Xhaka – 8
This was surely a very emotional game for our boy Granit, playing against his brother. He handled it amazingly, of course. Simple passes, mixed with a few long ones, great pressing when Basel had the ball, no cards or bad fouls, simply a great job by Xhaka.
Santi Cazorla – 8
How is he over 30?! Santi was once again everywhere, running the show in the midfield and passing to everyone and everywhere. He even joined attacks far upfront in the dying minutes of the match. How did he find the strength? I’ll never know!
Mesut Özil – 8
After turning Kante over the weekend, Mesut turned a few Basel players as well. Another great match for our German (with a new contract hopefully) but without a goal or assist this time – not for lack of trying!
Alex Iwobi – 8
Yet another good performance from Iwobi. He was great with the ball and helped create a few chances. Fits really well in this exciting football we have been showing in last few matches. Swapped places with Mesut really well too.
Theo Walcott – 9
Theo Walcott was MOTM, and fully deserved. What a performance! I have seen “best game he ever played for Arsenal” going around, and it’s not far off! Theo scored two goals and could have scored even more. He is in the form of his life, and you can see he is enjoying it to the fullest. I’m excited to watch him for the rest of the season!
Alexis Sanchez – 8.5
The ball just wouldn’t go in tonight for Alexis! He was trying and trying and didn’t score. It was always a narrow miss or a save by Basel’s great goalkeeper. He assisted Theo for both of his goals, and sprinted all the time from start to end of the match.
Mohamed Elneny – 6.5
He did well when he came on, did the job he was supposed to do, provided some good passes up front.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6
Ox got his 20ish minutes and did okay, even had a chance to score but, well, he didn’t.
