Arsenal vs West Ham player ratings: Everyone breathe

By Josh Sippie | Aug 25, 2018

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 25: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal celebrates his team's second goal with Henrikh Mkhitaryan an own goal from Issa Diop of West Ham United (not pictured) during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on August 25, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /

Deep Midfielders

7.0. Played his game early on, marauding about the midfield in search of the ball. Doesn’t seem to care about his position too much, but in the right circumstances that can be okay. Was rightfully taken off early on in the second half, as he had gotten a bit loose, but overall, it was still another positive match.. CM. Arsenal. MATTEO GUENDOUZI

7.6. The performance we needed to see from him, and Unai Emery agreed. That’s why he left him in. Xhaka actually made some important tackles on the defensive end but, more importantly (and especially after Torreira came on) he was able to find his passing freedom to make those beautiful incisive passes we love to see him make. He has a knack for being the pass that starts an excellent goal scoring chance and, while there is no stat for that, all you have to do is watch. He may have saved his arse with this one.. CM. Arsenal. GRANIT XHAKA