Arsenal vs Barcelona Player Ratings

Arsenal did what was expected and got knocked out in the Champions League round of 16 to Barcelona. Here are the player ratings.

Arsenal capitulated to expectations, as they allowed Barcelona through to the quarter finals. Although the scoreline will tell you one thing, rest assured that the claims that Arsenal were ‘brave’ are spot on. The Gunners just are not on the same level as Barcelona. With a bit of finishing, this would be a different story.

Whatever the case, Arsenal is now down to just one competition. With that in mind, let’s get to those player ratings.

7.2. Made some amazing saves on some amazing players. You know you made a good save when Lionel Messi comes over to shake your hand after you’ve done it. That being said, he did allow three goals, most of which he had no chance at, however.. GK. Arsenal FC. DAVID OSPINA

6.5. Started out pretty poorly, getting spun all over the place by Neymar. For a 20 year old, that can be forgiven. He did recover pretty nicely to have a positive impact on the game.. RB. Arsenal FC. HECTOR BELLERIN

6.2. He is a feisty defender, that’s for sure. Put up plenty of impressive numbers but still has a knack for not being sure of what to do with himself at times.. CB. Arsenal FC. GABRIEL PAULISTA

5.0. Poor. Very poor. Was clearly rusty from having been out injured and having to come back against a team like Barcelona is doing him no favors. Was credited with two defensive errors leading to goals.. CB. Arsenal FC. LAURENT KOSCIELNY

You hate to take too much away from Monreal for not being able to keep up with Messi. Messi just isn’t someone you expect to stop. The Spaniard did have a decent day getting forward.. LB. Arsenal FC. NACHO MONREAL. 6.3

Only played for 44 minutes before being subbed off with a supposed injury. In that time, he managed not to do anything too awful aside from a bumbling yellow card.. MID. Arsenal FC. MATHIEU FLAMINI. 5.8

MOHAMED EL NENY. 8.9. MAN OF THE MATCH. Absolutely fantastic. Was not dispossessed once, did not have a single poor touch. Completed 11/12 defensive actions, only misplayed two passes in Arsenal’s half. Elneny is coming around very quickly. Give him more shots like this and he could restore a lot of faith in Arsene Wenger. Probably not though.. MID. Arsenal FC

Arsenal FC. ALEXIS SANCHEZ. 7.5. Much better day for Alexis. Moving him to the right had the desired effect, he had to think of new creative ways to get past Barcelona and he did show a lot of good signs. Created the most chances of any other Arsenal man.. MID

Arsenal FC. MESUT OZIL. 7.1. Ozil tried to take matters into his own hands more times than not and it almost paid off. Still looked a bit befuddled at times.. MID

Arsenal FC. ALEX IWOBI. 7.2. Fantastic learning experience for Arsenal’s young prodigy. had a bit of nerves in front of goal, but aside from that he showed great composure on the ball and an excellent first touch. Shame he had to trip himself in the goal box.. MID

6.7. As always, we have to judge Welbeck’s performance based on two things. Firstly, his work ethic and game contribution was great. Secondly, his finishing and ability as a striker was sub-par. Sounds like the same old Danny Welbeck.. ST. Arsenal FC. DANNY WELBECK

6.5. Had a good time enforcing himself in the middle of the pitch after coming on just before half time for an injured Flamini. Still has to work to surpass Elneny after the Egyptian’s performance.. MID. Arsenal FC. FRANCIS COQUELIN

6.0. Didn’t do much with the 20 minutes he was given. Him and Walcott are the patron saints of this sputtering Arsenal attack.. ST. Arsenal FC. OLIVIER GIROUD

6.0. Not much to do, much like Giroud.. MID. Arsenal FC. THEO WALCOTT