Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Vitoria SC: Player ratings – Welcome, Nicolas Pepe

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 24: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal celebrates with team mates after scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Europa League group F match between Arsenal FC and Vitoria Guimaraes at Emirates Stadium on October 24, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 24: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal celebrates with team mates after scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Europa League group F match between Arsenal FC and Vitoria Guimaraes at Emirates Stadium on October 24, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 24: Marcus Edwards of Vitoria Guimaraes scores his team’s first goal during the UEFA Europa League group F match between Arsenal FC and Vitoria Guimaraes at Emirates Stadium on October 24, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 24: Marcus Edwards of Vitoria Guimaraes scores his team’s first goal during the UEFA Europa League group F match between Arsenal FC and Vitoria Guimaraes at Emirates Stadium on October 24, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) /

Full-Backs

RB. Arsenal. HECTOR BELLERIN. 5.0. Just looks a step short of the electric Hector Bellerin of yesteryear, which should not be surprising. Had a superb run to tee up Martinelli in the closing minutes but this was a rare moment. Struggled defensively as well, though he was not exactly helped by the midfield in front of him. Not especially concerned for his long-term prospects. He just needs game time.

6.0. If I was rating his last 70 minutes, Tierney would be up near an eight; if I was rating his first 20 minutes, it might be a two. So, to be fair to him, I will go down the middle. His defending for the first goal was terrible. There is no other way to describe it. And he struggled with Marcus Edwards greatly in the opening stages. But as Arsenal controlled the game more and Tierney could get forward more, his influence grew and grew. Delivered several superb crosses, including the assist for the first goal, and helped provide width for the collective attacking approach. Not his best, for sure, but not as bad as it looked early on.. LB. Arsenal. KIERAN TIERNEY