Arsenal player ratings vs Villarreal: Devastating Europa League exit

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal reacts during the UEFA Europa League Semi-final Second Leg match between Arsenal and Villareal CF at Emirates Stadium on May 06, 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 Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 06: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal battles for possession with Samuel Chukwueze of Villarreal CF during the UEFA Europa League Semi-final Second Leg match between Arsenal and Villareal CF at Emirates Stadium. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Arsenal Forwards Ratings

Bukayo Saka (RW) – 5/10 – Had no joy down the right side with Pedraza putting in an excellent display containing all the play Arsenal tried down that flank.

It was a really tough night for Saka who eventually moved infield as the right-sided No. 8, where he was able to carry the ball more

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST) – 5/10 – It’s hard to criticise someone who did not touch the ball. When he did, he looked a threat forcing the goalkeeper into a mistake and striking the post in the first half. He was so starved of service.

The captain’s last involvement was seeing a header smack the inside of the post and somehow to safety, the second time of the night. So, so close.

Nicolas Pepe (LW) – 5/10 – Worked his socks off just as he had done in the first leg, yet he was too cautious in possession in this tie, looking to come inside with no runner beyond as opposed to truly testing his covering full-back. Whipped in a few decent deliveries but not enough end product.

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