Arsenal finish top of their Europa League group but it almost seems as if we didn’t want to.

The Gunners conceded a soft penalty in the second half of their clash against FC Cologne and, despite having almost 70% of the possession and 16 shots to the German side’s four, left empty-handed.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles was Arsenal’s stand-out player by far, at least before his intensity dropped in the second half. Reiss Nelson was good when he came on as well and almost scored a worldie but he didn’t come on until the 67th minute.

Here’s how they all got on individually.

Defence

David Ospina – 6

The goalkeeper didn’t have a huge amount to do. The Colombian made an early save against Cordoba but other than that he could have sat down and eaten his dinner. Except for save the penalty but who really thought he was going to do that?

Cologne had four shots in total, three on target.

Mathieu Debuchy – 5.5

The Frenchman didn’t have a terrible match but didn’t seem quite as solid as centre-back as he has in previous Europa League games. He also gave away Cologne’s penalty and while it was a bit soft, he should have known better considering his experience.

He completed 53/57 passes, won four aerial duels, one tackles and made five clearances as well as three interceptions.

Per Mertesacker – 7

The big guy had a solid match. He made five interceptions and won nine (!) headers – four more than anybody else on the pitch. The centre-back also completed an impressive 85/90 passes.

Rob Holding – 6

The 22-year-old seemed a bit slow, especially when it came to turning over the ball. However, he completed 99/101 passes and won two aerial duels.

Next up, midfield

Midfield

Mohamed Elneny – 6

Elneny was solid, as usual. He completed 94% of his passes and kept things ticking over in midfield. However, he didn’t add a lot. It would be interesting to see a more creative player in that role.

Francis Coquelin – 6

The midfielder seemed keen to score his first goal for Arsenal and had two shots, one of which hit the woodwork.

https://twitter.com/Orbinho/status/933768196166909953

He also won three tackles.

Calum Chambers – 6

The centre-back was understandably not great at wing-back, with most Gooners questioning why Debuchy didn’t start there instead. The chances are it was because Debuchy’s pretty slow but Chambers didn’t exactly seem quick. Saying that, he wasn’t terrible and we have to give him credit since it’s not his natural position.

He only completed 77% of his passes (23/30), which was poor compared to the rest of the team but won four aerial duels.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 7

https://twitter.com/7amkickoff/status/933767679759958016

Maitland-Niles had another outstanding first half in red and white. He was like a puppy-dog chasing its ball; when he lost it, he fought tooth and nail to get it back.

The 20-year-old was fantastic getting forward, as well as cleaning up at the back, and put in numerous decent crosses.

After the break, his intensity noticeably dropped. However, the more game time he gets, the further this will improve.

He completed 95% of his passes – three of which were key passes – and five dribbles. He also won four tackles.

Next up, forwards

Forwards

Jack Wilshere – 6

The midfielder didn’t have an overly exciting game. He almost scored in the first half and looked lively in bursts but, like the rest of the team apart from Maitland-Niles, didn’t offer a great deal.

He completed eight dribbles and 88% of his passes.

Danny Welbeck – 6

It’s good to see the striker back from injury and even have a shot. His performance will improve with his fitness, not that he was terrible.

Olivier Giroud – 7

The big guy’s movement was exceptional as usual and it was obvious he was desperate for a game. Although he couldn’t get on the end of much, his survive from Coquelin and Elneny wasn’t exactly world class.

Alex Iwobi – 6

Iwobi came on the Welbz in the second half and added a bit going forward but not enough to influence the game.