Arsenal vs Rapid Vienna Player Ratings: Fans Treated to a Show

Arsenal beat Rapid Vienna 4-1 in Thursday’s Europa League clash at the Emirates Stadium.

Needing just a solitary point to secure top spot, Arsenal went into their home clash with the Austrian side off the back of four consecutive wins in the 2020/21 Europa League group stages.

Right from the off Arsenal looked up for the game, playing with pace and purpose and drawing first blood via Alexandre Lacazette‘s stunning, bending long-range drive.

Pablo Mari – making his first start in six months – scored not long after with a lovely glanced header, before Eddie Nketiah grabbed a third just before half-time after reacting quickest to his own rebound.

Rapid Vienna grabbed a goal early after a poor piece of goalkeeping from Alex Runarsson, but Arsenal were never in fear of losing their lead with wave after wave of attack. The fourth goal finally came via the boot of Emile Smith Rowe, who had the simplest job of tapping into an empty net.

All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable evening, against and admittedly very, very poor Rapid XI.

Arsenal Ratings – Goalkeeper & Defenders

Runar Alex Runarsson (GK) – 5/10 – We’re waiting for Runarsson to have something to do other than pass the ball across the back four, and when he finally does it was a save he didn’t even need to make. Distribution was ok, but when properly called upon he looked shaky.

Cedric Soares (RB) – 7/10 – The best backup right-back in world football! Well, not really, but he’s nonetheless a very solid option to have, despite what some people may lead you to believe. What’s most enjoyable is that he’s always looking for the wingers, even those on the opposite flank.

Shkodran Mustafi (CB) – 7/10 – His performance against Molde flew under the radar somewhat and it was more of the same at the Emirates Stadium. He missed a good chance and then went into hero mode with an audacious volley attempt, but in a defensive sense, did everything right.

Pablo Mari (CB) – 7/10 – Was a touch rusty for his first game back in six months, all of which is completely understandable. Taking just 17 minutes to grab his first Arsenal goal was a lovely moment too, which was the icing on a very comfortable night.

Sead Kolasinac (LB) – 6/10 – Unlucky to concede the fourth goal of the night with two meaty blocks on the line. Shaky in a few moments which aren’t down to anything other than him being an average defender…and I suppose he hasn’t played for a few weeks either.

Arsenal Ratings – Midfielders

Reiss Nelson (LM) – 7/10 – Created more chances in the first half on Thursday than any Arsenal player had made across 90 minutes so far this season, and the most under the entirety of Mikel Arteta‘s reign. His assist was just rewards for another lively display. Surely deserving of a Premier League place?

Mohamed Elneny (CM) – 5/10 – Not the best of nights for Elneny who was sloppy in possession and not the improved, more progressive midfielder we’ve become used to this season. He gets the benefit of the doubt for the time he’s spent off.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles (CM) – 9/10 – Admittedly, I expected Maitland-Niles to be rusty playing in that role given it’s felt like years since he last operated there, but he had a fantastic evening in the role. Agile, athletic and crisp with his passing, his role in the side helped Alexandre Lacazette play as well as he did (spoilers).

Nicolas Pepe (RM) – 8/10 – Didn’t slow the play down, linked up brilliantly with Lacazette and caused all sorts of problems to Rapid throughout the evening. His movement was clever, timing his runs well, and the only downside was his failure to score. Could/should have had a couple.

Arsenal Ratings – Forwards 

Eddie Nketiah (ST) – 8/10 – Made all the right movements in the early stages and that carried on throughout the night. Some lovely interchanges and neat touches on the ball were what we’ve grown to adore with Eddie Nketiah. Fine performance in the lone striker role.

Alexandre Lacazette (ST) – 9/10 – He’s not a No. 10, but after tonight you’d be forgiven for thinking he was. His technical work was excellent, speed of pass set the tone and he brought other players into the game expertly. The level of opposition suited him in this position, but credit where credit is due, he was excellent.

Substitutes

Emile Smith Rowe – 8/10 – Found space really well and his decision making on the ball, as per usual, was quick and well thought-out. It’s only a matter of time before he starts earning Premier League minutes.

Dani Ceballos – 6/10 – Decent enough cameo from Ceballos who pinged balls around the pitch with the freedom to do whatever the heck he wanted.

Willian – 7/10 – Was lively after coming on and came close to grabbing his first goal for the club.

Calum Chambers – 6/10 – Had next to nothing to do since coming on with all the play in the Rapid Vienna half. Who cares, though? His first senior appearance of 2020. Great to see him back.

Folarin Balogun – N/A – Only got a short run out.