Arsenal’s fringe players put in another abject performance against Red Star Belgrade on Thursday night.
Thanks to results elsewhere, Arsenal are through to the final 32 of the Europa League with two matches to spare. However, the Gunners didn’t exactly cover themselves in glory during their ‘qualifying’ clash.
The usual players, like Coquelin, were poor and we faced the same problems we’ve encountered all season. We couldn’t break the Serbian side down, they were getting in behind our defence far too easily and when we did manage to get a shot away, it was terrible.
There was nothing inspiring, creative or exciting about that side. But we already know that since that match against Red Star could have been practically any other match we’ve played this season.
Here’s how they got on individually.
3. Forwards
Theo Walcott – 6
Theo tried to take hold of the game once or twice in the first half but struggled to make an impact. He was better in the second but still couldn’t do anything with the ball when he did have it.
He had two shots, one off-target and one was blocked, and only completed 31/41 passes (76%).
Jack Wilshere – 6
Just like against Norwich, the 25-year-old didn’t appear to be at his best against Red Star. In the first half, he completed just 20 passes.
However, the midfielder warmed into the game in the second half, getting involved, forcing play and looking generally brighter.
He completed 91% of his passes, five dribbles and won a tackle.
Olivier Giroud – 5
The big guy was seriously isolated and struggled to get involved in the game at all. He completed just 14 passes.
He had four shots but only two were on target.