Arsenal won the Emirates Cup despite losing to Sevilla thanks to the five goals the bagged on Saturday against Benfica.
It’s pretty much sevens for everybody. It was that sort of game, Arsenal weren’t great but they weren’t total garbage either.
There were certainly a number of concerns raised – like will the midfield be more solid by next week – but how did the players get on individually?
Midfield
Aaron Ramsey 7
Energetic, and tricky, Ramsey was everywhere as he tends to be. An awful finish after a mazy run denied him a wondergoal.
Joe Willock 7
Had a much tougher time against the Spaniards than Reiss Nelson had against Benfica on Saturday but grew into the game. Mostly neat and tidy, but it’s not a bad thing that we check our expectations of the 17-year-old.
Replaced by Granit Xhaka.
Hector Bellerin 5
Looking like Bjorn Borg, I guess we can be glad that it’s not corn rows again, Hector didn’t have the best game
He’s still huffing his way to full fitness after the summer and that showed in heavy legs that pegged him back. Should have scored as he steamed in at the back post onto a monster of cross from the other side of the pitch by the Ox. Leaning back, he never got over the ball and skyed it quite wonderfully. In addition to lead legs, he had a rusty first touch.
It was no surprise he didn’t come back out for the second half, replaced by Cohen Brammall.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 8
Put in a beast of a cross that should have been converted by Hector Bellerin to give Arsenal the lead. Switched from left wingback to right in the second half and was diligent defensively, if generally quiet until the switch.
Was also seemingly trying to rival Granit Xhaka for long-range pass of pre-season, and came close. Created Lacazette’s first Emirates goal with skill, determination and precision, via Danny Welbeck intentionally, obviously.
I had him on a six at halftime, his second half performance on the right pushing his score upwards significantly.
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