It wasn’t the prettiest of matches, nor was it the most exciting, but Arsenal leave Serbia with three points.

Apart from perhaps Jack Wilshere and Reiss Nelson, there weren’t many bright sparks in action against Red Star Belgrade on Thursday night.

Perhaps this was summed up by the fact that Olivier Giroud, who had been pretty poor all game, linked up with Theo Walcott, who was also terrible, to create a stunning team goal in order to win the match 1-0 for Arsenal. Of course, Wilshere was involved.

Joe Willock and Ainsley Maitland-Niles were also solid.

It’s now three wins from three and although most of the Gunners were disappointing, many were inexperienced, not quite fit or unsure of the bizarre starting XI Arsene Wenger had thrown out onto the pitch.

Here’s how they all did individually.

Defence

Petr Cech – 8

The goalkeeper made is big save in the 31st minute at close range.

He went on to make three important saves in total and kept Arsenal in the game until the final few minutes when Giroud put them ahead.

Mathieu Debuchy – 6

The right-back was started in the centre despite not playing for the first team since Bournemouth at home last season. And it showed.

Edit: In hindsight, I do feel I was a little harsh. The 32-year-old was pretty solid so I’ll change his score to a 6.

Mohamed Elneny – 5.5

Elneny’s not a good defender. He’s an adequate midfielder and is good at what he knows, but when you push him back it’s obvious that he’s uncomfortable and it leaves Arsenal vulnerable.

He did make a good challenge at the start of the second half but it didn’t outweigh his error later on when he gave the ball away right outside of our area.

Rob Holding – 5

The centre-back wasn’t terrible but was still lacking a little pace. It was a little concerning that Red Star were targeting him because he’s the weak link.

Next, midfield

Midfield

Francis Coquelin – 6

The midfielder’s touch was terrible and he added very little to our midfield. He did, however, get a Red Star Belgrade player sent off in the 80th minute and we scored after that so… swings and roundabouts.

https://twitter.com/BJoseph96/status/921074161895854080

Joe Willock – 5.5

The youngster was solid. He completed 93% of his passes and won four tackles.

Reiss Nelson – 7

The wing-back put in a superb tackle in the first half, powering back while Red Star broke at pace. It was well-timed and professional but effective.

The 17-year-old was always looking to get involved and most Gooners are aching to see him in a more advanced role.

He completed five dribbles in total and was the main spark driving play forward at the beginning of the second half.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 6

The 20-year-old, who continues to divide opinion, won five tackles and had a decent enough match. Not his best or worst.

Next, forwards

Forwards

Theo Walcott – 6

As usual, Theo made good runs but his final product and passes were lacking.

The 28-year-old had three shots, two of which were on target, and managed an assist, which is why I’ve given him a decent score. Despite being ‘bad’, he still usually manages to help the team, which always fascinates me.

Jack Wilshere – 6

Once again, the 25-year-old was exciting to watch. He completed five dribbles and even won an aerial duel. However, his passing could be sharper as he only managed to complete 77%.

Olivier Giroud – 7

Giroud had a terrible game. Some of his shots were laughable. He had five in total and only two were on target. Realistically he probably deserves a five. But what a goal.