Arsenal Player Ratings vs Manchester City: A Gift for City

Arsenal’s Carabao Cup campaign came to an end after a 4-1 loss to Manchester City.

Amidst their worst league start for 46 years, cup competitions have been a welcome respite for Arsenal this season.

They won all six of their Europa League group games and beat Leicester and Liverpool on their way to tonight’s quarter-final. However, their run would come to an end against a ruthless Manchester City.

Things seemed ominous after Gabriel Jesus put the visitors ahead within three minutes. Pep Guardiola’s men dominated proceedings in the game’s early stages, but the game’s complexion changed dramatically after Alexandre Lacazette unexpectedly equalised. Arsenal’s confidence visibly improved and they did not deserve to go into the break behind. Alex Rúnarsson ensured that they did not with a fine stop to deny Jesus five minutes before the interval.

Rúnarsson’s role as the hero would not last long, as Riyad Mahrez’s free-kick went straight through his hands. A sublime Phil Foden finish made it 3-1, and he turned provider for City’s fourth. His glorious cross was met emphatically by Aymeric Laporte.

Here are your player ratings from tonight’s match.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Alex Rúnarsson (GK) – 3/10 – Many expected Bernd Leno to start this evening, given that Rúnarsson has failed to impress during his brief Arsenal career. He was let down by his defenders for the first goal but had no one to blame for the second. Did not look comfortable at all in possession either.

Cédric Soares (RWB) – 4.5/10 – There’s not much to be said about Cédric Soares. He is a perfectly serviceable player, but nothing more.

Shkodran Mustafi (CB) – 4/10 – It remains a mystery as to why Mustafi continues to be given minutes ahead of William Saliba. Was at fault for City’s first goal, as he failed to get into a position to intercept Oleksandr Zinchenko’s cross.

Gabriel (CB) – 4/10 – Returning to the team after his recent suspension, the Brazilian looked a little rusty. He has been one of Arsenal’s best players this season, but this was a performance to forget.

Sead Kolasinac (CB) – 4/10 – Certainly not the worst Kolasinac display, regardless, you get the impression that he will not be an Arsenal player for much longer.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles (LWB) – 5/10 – Neat and tidy, his versatility and intellect is such an asset for Mikel Arteta. His inclusion suggests that Héctor Bellerín will start against Chelsea on Saturday.

Midfielders

Joe Willock (RM) – 5/10 – Starting in an unfamiliar position, Willock showed endeavour throughout.

Mohamed Elneny (CM) – 4/10 – Although Elneny was a pleasant surprise at the beginning of the season, his limitations have become apparent once more.

Dani Ceballos (CM) – 4/10 – There is no denying that Ceballos is a smooth operator, but he seemed to struggle with the pace of the game.

Gabriel Martinelli (LM) – 7/10 – After a bright substitute appearance against Everton, Martinelli unsurprisingly led the fight for Arteta’s men. He chased lost causes, and it was his excellent cross which brought Arsenal back into the game. Suffered an injury which ultimately forced his removal, hopefully, it is not too serious.

Forwards

Alexandre Lacazette (ST) – 6/10 – Captain for the evening, Lacazette led the line after being deployed in an unusual deeper role in recent weeks. Nonetheless, he dropped into midfield on a couple of occasions to good effect. His goal was one of the few positives from tonight’s game.

Substitutes

Nicolas Pépé – 5/10 – After Martinelli’s offensive and defensive contributions, there was pressure on Pépé to deliver a good performance. He was mostly quiet but had one shot in the dying moments which forced a good save from Zack Steffen.

Emile Smith Rowe – 6/10 – Replaced Mohamed Elneny with just under 30 minutes to play. Smith Rowe certainly has qualities that Arsenal are lacking and is worthy of more minutes moving forward.

Folarin Balogun – 5.5/10 – With the game effectively finished, Balogun got the minutes he deserved. Similarly to Smith Rowe, the young striker looked bright. Getting him to sign a new contract is a must for the Arsenal hierarchy.

There is no rest for the weary. The games come thick and fast this time of year. London rivals Chelsea will be the visitors at the Emirates Stadium on Boxing Day. It is yet another ‘must-win’ game for Mikel Arteta.