Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal player ratings vs Villarreal: Pepe penalty rescues hope

By Henry Payne

VILLARREAL, SPAIN - APRIL 29: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal scores their team's first goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Europa League Semi-final First Leg match between Villareal CF and Arsenal at Estadio de la Ceramica on April 29, 2021 in Villarreal, Spain. 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 David Ramos/Getty Images)
VILLARREAL, SPAIN - APRIL 29: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal scores their team's first goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Europa League Semi-final First Leg match between Villareal CF and Arsenal at Estadio de la Ceramica on April 29, 2021 in Villarreal, Spain. 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 David Ramos/Getty Images) /
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VILLARREAL, SPAIN – APRIL 29: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal is fouled by Juan Foyth of Villarreal leading to a penalty which is then ruled out following a VAR review during the UEFA Europa League Semi-final First Leg match between Villareal CF and Arsenal at Estadio de la Ceramica on April 29, 2021 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images).
VILLARREAL, SPAIN – APRIL 29: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal is fouled by Juan Foyth of Villarreal leading to a penalty which is then ruled out following a VAR review during the UEFA Europa League Semi-final First Leg match between Villareal CF and Arsenal at Estadio de la Ceramica on April 29, 2021 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images). /

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – 7/10 – Although he saw plenty of the ball, Arsenal’s young phenom failed to cause Villarreal any real problems until he won the crucial penalty. Even when he’s not at his best, he remains a threat.

Emile Smith Rowe (CF) – 6/10 – Started as the ‘false nine’, but rotated at times with Nicolas Pépé. Like Ødegaard, had his moments, but was mostly anonymous.

Nicolas Pépé (LW) – 7.5/10 (MOTM) – Glittered in the quarter-final, and was Arsenal’s main threat again tonight. There was never any doubt that he would miss from the spot.

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