Arsenal 2-0 Napoli – Alfie’s game review and player ratings

Review – ARSENAL 2-0 NAPOLI

A superb performance last night to put us in the driving seat for the second leg next week in Naples. Whilst we all certainly would’ve taken this result before the game, there is a hint of regret that we didn’t finish the tie off yesterday, with a lack of ruthlessness potentially costing us. We started quickly, playing with great intensity, epitomised by our energetic and mobile midfield pivot in Ramsey and Torreira, who pressed effectively throughout.

Once we got our goals in an emphatic 11 minute period we controlled the game, limiting Napoli’s attacking threat and looking threatening ourselves with the guile of Ozil spearheading our creativity. They started the second period with a bit of renewed optimism, pressing us back for large periods of the half. However, we always looked like threatening on the break and if it weren’t for some good goalkeeping and some poor finishing we really could have and ought to have put the tie to bed.

Yes they had a few chances throughout the game, but on the whole our physical back 3 dominated and nullified their agile front 3, and I see no reason why that can’t be the case next week. On the offensive front, some of the moves we constructed were artistic and almost mesmerising, moving the ball around with pace and incision.

So we move onto Watford on Monday, but let’s see if you agree with my ratings for yesterday

PLAYER RATINGS vs Napoli:

0️⃣1️⃣ Cech 7

0️⃣5️⃣ Sokratis 8

0️⃣6️⃣ Koscielny 8

1️⃣8️⃣ Monreal 7

1️⃣5️⃣ Maitland-Niles 8

1️⃣1️⃣ Torreira 9

0️⃣8️⃣ Ramsey 9

3️⃣1️⃣ Kolasinac 6

1️⃣0️⃣ Ozil 8

1️⃣4️⃣ Aubameyang 7

0️⃣9️⃣ Lacazette 6

0️⃣7️⃣ Mkhitaryan 7

1️⃣7️⃣ Iwobi 6

0️⃣4️⃣ Elneny 6

Tell me your thoughts below and if you don’t understand some of my ratings, ask below and I’ll give some justification ⬇️??

Alfie

11 Comments

  1. Pretty bang on except kola . I thought after Ramsey and Torreria he was our best player.ozil looked quality in the 1st half but looked jaded after the break .overall great 65 odd minutes then did what we had to do .

    1. I also don’t agree on Kolasinac’s rating

      Ozil didn’t even play the whole game nor did he create any goal/ assist to warrant an 8 rating

      1. I thought 6 for Kolasinac was about spot on. He got into some really dangerous positions, but constantly delayed the cross, or made a poor cross/pass. I’d drop Auba down to a 6, and Iwobi down to a 5. Other than that, good ratings.

        So frustrating seeing how good we are at home, and how poor we are away from home.

        1. I’d give Aubameyang a 6 too. Both strikers are too inconsistent nowadays

          I know selling one or both of them next season is unlikely to happen, but I wish Arsenal replace them with inverted wingers/ inside forwards. We need dribblers that can create goals/ assists and take on the defenders

          1. Yep that should be a priority. Get rid of our top players one of which could win the golden boot

            Auba and Laca are fantastic

  2. I have to agree with your ratings, and especially Kolasinac, was pretty energetic going forward but he also wasted lots of balls and crosses.
    Someone needs to tell him he doesn’t have to run with the ball to the touchline before crossing the ball with. powerful shot!!
    Hell!! Where’s Sue ??
    You need to tell your man bunny he has to start cutting the ball back and laying down a cross out for players behind him not straight to the goalkeeper?
    Mhiki made the best cross for Ramsey when he came on, Kolasinac needs to stop thinking with his manpower always.
    Nice game though

    1. Exactly what I said about Kolasinac after the match, I wonder if he has to be told that he doesn’t have to get to the byline before releasing his crosses. I still think he’s the best crosser we have though…. he makes good incisive runs and his delivery is usually good….. I guess it was a one-time thing against Napoli yesterday.

  3. I think the ratings are fair….. Kolasinac kept holding on to the ball for too long… our strikers did not have their scoring boots on… I hope things go their way in the second leg though, and everyone puts in a commendable effort…. but first, we need to crush the ‘cojones’ on Monday…. I’ll start Cech just to wind Deeney up. ?

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