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Arsenal player ratings vs Slavia Prague: Pepe goal cancelled out for draw

By Mac Johnson

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal scores their side's first goal past Ondrej Kolar of Slavia Praha during the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final First Leg match between Arsenal FC and Slavia Praha at Emirates Stadium on April 08, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around Europe remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal scores their side's first goal past Ondrej Kolar of Slavia Praha during the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final First Leg match between Arsenal FC and Slavia Praha at Emirates Stadium on April 08, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around Europe remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 08: Petr Sevcik of Slavia Praha makes a pass whilst under pressure from Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal during the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final First Leg match between Arsenal FC and Slavia Praha at Emirates Stadium. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 08: Petr Sevcik of Slavia Praha makes a pass whilst under pressure from Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal during the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final First Leg match between Arsenal FC and Slavia Praha at Emirates Stadium. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Midfielders

RCM: Thomas Partey – 6.0

So much more comfortable alongside Xhaka in the midfield. Looked very adept defensively, although his passes looked a bit sloppy. Drove well with the ball, and drew a number of key fouls. Got a bit too cute on occasion, although his overall influence was a positive one.

LCM: Granit Xhaka  – 6.5

Solid and dependable, as he so often has been lately. He pressured really well, and his heading was resolute throughout. Looked to drop slightly deeper to make room for Willian, and controlled possession magnificently for much of the match. Good performance

CAM: Emile Smith Rowe – 7.0

Looked to play left wing at times, and has clearly been coached to drop deep less, similar to the role Ødegaard has been playing recently. Made a couple of beautiful, darting runs down that flank, and created great space with his legs, as he is wont to do. Had some lovely moments of holdup play as well, and was frequently double and triple-teamed as Slavia struggled with his pace. Possibly should have done better on the Lacazette rebound, though he could not have expected the Frenchman to miss.

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