Another poor visionless performance from Arsenal against Crystal Palace.
Is anyone really surprised at what unfolded at the Emirates yesterday? I m not. The team was wrong from the start and it showed.
When I discussed the team here, I said quite clearly that there are no less than six players I would change from that line-up. I feel vindicated in that opinion.
The forwards were starved of service but they never really went looking for the ball either. The defence was flaky and nervous, which was no surprise. The midfield was atrocious and continues to be the weakest point in the team.
Anyway, here are the player ratings and no doubt some will take them very personally.
Ratings
Leno 6
Could not do too much with the goals to be fair, he distributed the ball better and looked more assured with the crosses. Did ok all things considered.
Tierney 6
Clearly needed the game and struggled at times but showed enough to justify his inclusion over Kolasinac.
Sokratis 7
Scored a goal and made some important tackles. Thought he had a good game overall.
Luiz 5
Like Sokratis, he scored a goal but he was not as fluent with his defending as his teammate. Should have done better with the second Palace goal.
Chambers 5
Not his best game. The penalty was his fault and he made Zaha look better than he actually performed.
Xhaka 5
Only judging him on his on-field performance and it was generally poor. Offered nothing for the forwards and too slow to help out at the back.
Guendouzi 5
Another average performance from the young Frenchman. He flatters to deceive a hell of a lot. I ask myself, what did he actually contribute yesterday. Sadly, nothing.
Ceballos 5
Palace is not Burnely and it showed, again. I have to wonder if he deserves the hype and if we will ever see another Burnely type of performance from him.
Pepe 6
I thought he had a half-decent game considering he had almost zero link up with the midfield. Did well with his crosses and set-piece play. That said, I would like to see more initiative from the winger, he has to make his own opportunities more often.
Aubameyang 5
Completely starved of service and it is unfair to rate him anything other than the average score of 5.
Lacazette 5
Same situation as his fellow forwards, no service at all from those behind him. Again, he should make more effort in these scenarios but he can only do so much on his own.
Subs
Kolasinac 5
Average when he came on and the rating reflects that
Saka 5
Same with Saka. Average when he came on.