I predicted we would lose 1-0. That’s the saddest part about Monday’s result. Anytime we are away from home it’s the same question aimed at us. Do we have the right mentality to fight or do we go missing when things get tough? it’s happened too many times to be a coincidence.
I don’t want to keep repeating myself though, but there are only so many games where we can bemoan a lack of creativity while leave Ozil at home playing on his PS4. Very soon this will become a sackable offence. So here are my Sheffield United v Arsenal Player ratings.
Leno – 5
Nothing to do at all. He spent the second half watching his peers dominate possession without working the opposition keeper. There was one long shot he nearly made a mess out of…
Kolasinac – 4
Crossing terrible, it always is! It is time to bring Tierney into the League starting XI.
Luiz – 5
He stood still at set pieces. He did it yet another time, inviting a long-distance shot. I give him an extra point for getting on the ball and picking out long passes. He is good on the ball but not a natural defender, but we knew that before we brought him.
Sokratis – 4
Not comfortable on the ball at all. Helped waste time for Sheffield with giving away fouls/lack of composure late on. It is time for Holding or Chambers to replace him. If he was Mustafi fans would be very angry!
Chambers – 6
Only player to be direct in attack. His final ball is not always decent but at least he was brave enough to take some chances.
Guendouzi – 7
Can never fault his work rate. He was the one player who seemed to have some urgency. Not always has the end product but his efforts stand out compared to the rest of his teammates.
Xhaka – 5
Gooners will again make him the scapegoat but he did his job. The problem is that by not playing an attacking midfielder, Emery is putting pressure on the rest of the midfield to do a role he not comfortable with. His long range effort closet we came to equaliser.
Willock – 5
Out of a midfield 3, his job was to drive forward. He had possession but no creativity, although anyone could have been subbed at half time. If only we had a midfielder who could pick a pass…. oh wait…
Saka – 6
At least this youngster has the bravery to try new things. He doesn’t stay in one position and tries to take on his man. He was harshly booked for diving which seemed to affect his confidence.
Pepe- 6
I have given him an extra mark for always wanting the ball and not being afraid to take risks. Given his goal drought that shouldn’t be taken for granted, but you can’t change the fact that for 72 million he needs to be better in final third.
Aubameyang – 4
We always say that apart from scoring doesn’t do a lot. That sounds strange because most of the time he finds back of net. Here though he barely touched the ball, no creative movement, a night to forget for our top scorer..
Subs-
Ceballos – 5
Got on the ball a lot. He had plenty of nice touches, but the fact is though, he was brought on to unlock the door and didn’t do his job. Hardly keeping Ozil out of the squad, is he?
Lacca- 6
Unlike Auba, he fought to get the ball. His tenacity won us a couple of free kicks.
Martinelli -5
His inexperience showed.