Arsenal 3-0 Dundalk Player Ratings: Youngsters Impress in Comfortable Win

Forwards

Reiss Nelson (RW) – 8/10 – Made aggressive runs all evening, in stark comparison to his wide partner. Never gave the Dundalk defenders a moment’s peace with his pace and trickery. For someone who has played very little football with the senior team this season, he looked sharp throughout.

All that is lacking from his game is some better end product. Improve that final ball and we’ve got someone knocking on the Premier League door. He probably is already, in fairness.

Eddie Nketiah (ST) – 7/10 – Showed his poacher instincts with the opener, reacting quickest to the loose ball. His hunger was evident tonight, as ever, constantly screaming for possession and making runs either side of the centre-backs trying to pick up space where he could be a threat.

Nicolas Pepe (LW) – 6/10 – Sublime skill and finish to score the goal seconds after the restart, but that moment of brilliance can’t mask over an uninspiring first half. His deliveries felt lazy, while he showed no real urgency on the ball.

So frustrating since the goal demonstrates what he’s capable of. We need more than occasional flashes.

Substitutes

Willian – 7/10 – Positive display from the Brazilian after coming on, taking a leaf out of Nelson’s books by repatedly driving at the full-backs.

Dani Ceballos – 7/10 – Came and sat deep – briefly in a back-three of him Xhaka and Elneny! – and didn’t put a foot wrong. Was never under any pressure to make a mistake, mind you.

Kieran Tierney – N/A – Fancied his chances at a screamer, but it’s hard to judge him after a short cameo.

Folarin Balogun – N/A – Very Nketiah like in his style when he came on, playing on the centre-backs’ shoulders, but he too didn’t see much action.