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: Mikel Agu of Vitoria Guimaraes battles for possession with Joe Willock of Arsenal 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: Mikel Agu of Vitoria Guimaraes battles for possession with Joe Willock of Arsenal 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) /

Central Midfield

LUCAS TORREIRA. 6.5. In and of himself, Torreira actually played quite well. A near 90% pass completion rate, a team-high in tackles attempted, tackles won and interceptions, some tenacious work to recover the ball and cause wayward passes, and some excellent pressing as well. But his actual impact on the game was quite small. Why? Because he was played out of position, again. And there is only one man to blame.. CM. Arsenal

4.0. Rough night for Joe Willock. Misplaced some easy passes, hid from play, not looking to dictate play from deep, and provided little impetus or drive with his usual surging runs, on and off the ball. He also lacked commitment to challenges, choosing to pull out of potential tackles on several occasions. That said, while this was a poor display from Willock, he played out of position on Monday night as a number 10 and then out of position again as a defensive midfielder. There is one man to blame here.. CM. Arsenal. JOE WILLOCK

RM. Arsenal. AINSLEY MAITLAND-NILES. 3.0. This might be the end of Maitland-Niles as a first-team player for some time. Lost his place at right-back, claimed he is a midfielder, but is now proving that he is not good enough to play higher up the pitch. Still not quite sure what position he played either, though I am not totally convinced that is his fault.

EMILE SMITH ROWE. 7.0. Had some really good moments. His awareness when he receives the ball is superb, always understanding how to manipulate his first touch to break into space. Needs to show more composure in and around the penalty area, especially when pulling the trigger, but is a tidy, technically sound, creative attacker, and that will take you a long way at the highest level.. LM. Arsenal