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Arsenal Player Ratings vs Dundalk: Youngsters Shine Again

By Ross Kennerley

DUBLIN, IRELAND - DECEMBER 10: Folarin Balogun of Arsenal scores their sides fourth goal past Gary Rogers of Dundalk during the UEFA Europa League Group B stage match between Dundalk FC and Arsenal FC at Aviva Stadium on December 10, 2020 in Dublin, Ireland. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
DUBLIN, IRELAND - DECEMBER 10: Folarin Balogun of Arsenal scores their sides fourth goal past Gary Rogers of Dundalk during the UEFA Europa League Group B stage match between Dundalk FC and Arsenal FC at Aviva Stadium on December 10, 2020 in Dublin, Ireland. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) /
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DUBLIN, IRELAND – DECEMBER 10: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Europa League Group B stage match between Dundalk FC and Arsenal FC at Aviva Stadium on December 10, 2020 in Dublin, Ireland. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) /

Forwards

Nicolas Pepe (RW) – 5/10 – Poor night for Pepe. Indecision in key areas stunted both him and the team, looking nowhere near as sharp as he has done in the previous two fixtures. He may point to the turf having an impact, and Dundalk doubling up on him, but in the end not much came off.

Eddie Nketiah (ST) – 6/10 – A weird one for Nketiah. Scored the opener through perseverance, neat control and composure, and while he pressed really well from the front, some of his touches went amiss on a mixed night. Great determination to charge down possession, as we expect from him.

Emile Smith Rowe (LW) – 7.5/10 – Arsenal’s best player on the night got an assist for his troubles (they all count!), but this was a great advertisement for the diverse skillset that Smith Rowe has. Playing out wide, he showed his talent in driving with the ball both inside the full-back and outside him. Superb talent who is unique in this current squad.

Substitutes

Folarin Balogun – 9/10 – Strong hold-up play to set up the third goal, using his strength first of all to hold off the defender, then technique and intelligence for the lay-off. The goal? As cool as you like. Wonderful finish.

Lovely cameo, full of energy.

Dani Ceballos – 5/10 – What was the reason for playing Ceballos? There was no need for him to come on at the end, not least when Miguel Azeez could have earned valuable minutes. Clearly not fancied for the Premier League, yet that shouldn’t be at the detriment of the youngsters.

Ben Cottrell – N/A – A memorable night for the youngster who earned his first senior start, although he wasn’t on long enough to warrant a rating. In due course!

Miguel Azeez – N/A – The smile when he took to the turf is enough to warm even the coldest heart.

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