Arsenal player ratings vs Crystal Palace: Martinelli and Pepe secure vital win

Arsenal Midfielders Ratings

Thomas Partey (CM) – 6/10 – Building on from his most recent impressive 45 minutes, Thomas Partey put in a solid showing in the heart of midfield where he picked out a selection of clever passes in between centre-backs and full-backs for either Pepe or Saka to pick up.

Is this a half-decent partnership? It doesn’t add much goal threat.

Elneny’s energy definitely plays a part in unlocking Partey as the sweeper around him lets Partey seek out the dangerous passes and get Arsenal into attacking positions. Visibly tired as the game wore on.

Mohamed Elneny (CM) – 7/10 – Arsenal could do far worse than having Elneny as a 4th choice/backup midfielder next season. They could do significantly better, of course, but as someone to come in who isn’t especially skilled in any one department and equally not outright atrocious in others, he could do a job. Better quality can come in, but if he stayed it wouldn’t cause any distress if others go in his stead.

He showed his use on Wednesday with a solid evening’s work. Does what he does and not much else.

Emile Smith Rowe (AM) – 6/10 – Ended up being used more as a body to create space for others, sacrificing his usual time on the ball to make the movements that would open up the spaces for others to exploit. He did his job well and linked play neatly.