Arsenal vs Molde Player Ratings: Nelson & Pepe Shine as Gunners Qualify

Arsenal Midfielders

Nicolas Pepe (RM) – 8/10 – Unbelievably frustrating to see Nicolas Pepe play like this. We can bang on about the opposition, but he had his best game of the season tonight with the level of consistency that we’ve been crying out for. His corners were accurate (shouldn’t be praised but it’s an improvement), his decision making wiser and his work on the ball much sharper.

Got his goal and thoroughly deserved it.

Joe Willock (CM) – 7/10 – Didn’t offer enough in a progressive sense in the first half, but with Alexandre Lacazette playing in the ten role he was more limited in the areas he could run into. Barely gave the ball away and started exploiting the inside right channel in the second half to great effect.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – 6/10 – Was too negative on the ball at times. Slowed moves down, particularly with one breakaway in the second half. He’s capable of finding a teammate, but the distribution was too negative.

Reiss Nelson (LM) – 8/10 – Should share the man-of-the-match award with Nicolas Pepe. Coming in off the left hand side, Nelson disrupted the Molde backline throughout and was a lively, but ultimately exciting threat. Could really have come off sooner since he will be needed in the upcoming Premier League fixtures.