Arsenal player ratings vs Norwich: Aubameyang scores in vital 1-0 win

Arsenal's Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates after he scores his team's opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Norwich City at the Emirates Stadium in London on September 11, 2021. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 11: Albert Sambi Lokonga of Arsenal chases down the ball during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Norwich City at Emirates Stadium on September 11, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) /

Midfielders

Ainsley Maitland-Niles (CM) – 6/10 – Not the performance Maitland-Niles would have wanted as he struggled for positioning, lacking the midfield nous of knowing when to press and when to drop off.

There were a few strong recovery tackles though, and some of his defensive actions were strong, yet often it’s simply a case of not being the quality desired to play a midfield role at this level. It’s not his best position.

To his credit, he picked out some far better balls into dangerous areas after the break, he’s just too casual.

Sambi Lokonga (CM) – 7.5/10 – There were some communication issues with his fellow midfield partner which, if we’re being honest, were entirely expected. Having never played together it was noticeable how both would drop off in unison when one needed to press, partially due to nerves one would imagine.

However, on the ball, Sambi continues to look like a shrewd addition. His turns in midfield are neat and his option of pass almost always the right one. Some great defensive and progressive work.

Martin Odegaard (AM) – 7/10 – Has there been a player at Arsenal with an engine like Odegaard’s since….Ramsey? Probably not. Nonstop running and initiating the press, his desire and work rate are superb.

As for ability, he picked out a few neat passes and showed the creative wisdom to unpick a few locks. The only player looking to play through the lines instead of over them.

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