Arsenal failed to win a third successive Premier League game as Wolves came from behind to hold them to a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
Wolves started as the stronger of the two sides, but it was Arsenal who broke the deadlock when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang finished off Alexandre Lacazette’s deflected square pass from close range. However, the Gunners could not add to their advantage thereafter, which would come back to haunt them.
Wolves, who saw Bernd Leno deny Matt Doherty and Ruben Neves earlier in the game, equalised in the 76th minute when Raul Jimenez caressed a header from Joao Moutinho’s cross past the Arsenal goalkeeper. With that result, the hosts had squandered a lead for the third time this week, as the pressure continues to mount on Unai Emery. We now rate the Arsenal players.
Bernd Leno: 8/10
As has been the case for much of this season, Leno was the standout for Arsenal in the defensive half of the pitch. The German was not called into action much, but he was equal to whatever Wolves threw at him, bar one occasion. Could not have done much to stop Raul Jimenez’s perfectly placed header. The saves from Matt Doherty and Ruben Neves’s efforts were simply outstanding.
Calum Chambers: 6/10
Chambers faced a stiff test of his credentials against a tricky Diogo Jota. That personal duel was a tale of two halves, with Chambers being comfortable in the first half before Jota got the better of the Englishman in the final 45 minutes. Looked much better when driving forward, which has not been the case a lot of times lately.
Sokratis: 5/10
For large parts of the game, Sokratis seemed to have the measure of Raul Jimenez, keeping a check on the Wolves striker with elan. The Greek defender made a couple of decisive blocks as well, while being colossal in the air. But, in the crucial moment, Sokratis failed to keep a track of Jimenez, who had an open header to score from. Disappointing.
David Luiz: 7/10
For once, Luiz completed a game without much of a fuss. Rarely troubled at the back, Luiz defended well. But, it was his work on the ball that made the Brazilian a key player on the day. Whenever Wolves looked to pile on the pressure, it was his passing that eased the burden. And, it was his low cross that eventually made its way to Aubameyang for the opener.
Kieran Tierney: 7/10
Up against perhaps, the quickest player in the Premier League, Tierney had a tricky evening ahead of him. But, after the initial onslaught, the Scot was comfortable and contained Adama Traore with ease. Proved to be a major outlet going forward, linking up well with Mesut Ozil. A top class signing by Arsenal.
Matteo Guendouzi: 7/10
Starting at the base of the midfield diamond, Guendouzi protected the backline well and was hardly overrun in central areas. But, the young Frenchman was sloppy on the ball at times and struggled to set a high tempo in the game. Needs to do more with the ball from the position he is deployed in.
Lucas Torreira: 6/10
Inexplicably used in an advanced midfield role, Torreira took to the challenge. But, it was clear that Emery cannot get the best out of him by playing him in a position that requires more creativity than the Uruguayan can offer. Still did all that he could and enjoyed a game-high 96 percent pass rate. Needs to be utilised in a deeper role.
Mesut Ozil: 8/10
Making his second Premier League start of the season, Ozil was thoroughly impressive once again. He was not quite as imposing as he was against Liverpool earlier this week, but Ozil remained one of the standout players in the game.
The understanding he shared with Aubameyang and Lacazette was a sight for sore eyes, begging the question as to what Emery has been doing keeping Ozil on the sidelines. Even so, the system that Emery set Arsenal up in was highly questionable, forcing Ozil to drop deep whilst not having runners around him. Still, impressed enough to now start to become a regular.
Dani Ceballos: 6/10
With Ozil starting at the tip of the diamond, Ceballos was deployed in a deeper role. The Spaniard kept things ticking and linked up well with Ozil. But, it was his impact in the defensive phase that left much to be desired. Ceballos switched off while marking Joao Moutinho, who crossed the ball for Jimenez to net the equaliser. A moment that spoiled an otherwise strong display.
Alexandre Lacazette: 7/10
The strike partnership was designed to get the best out of the understanding that Lacazette and Aubameyang shared. Excellent with his back to the goal, Lacazette held the ball well, bringing Ozil into the game. Made more key passes than any Arsenal player and supplied the assist for the opening goal. A strange decision to take him off.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 7/10
No player has scored more Premier League goals (40) since making his debut for Arsenal than Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The Man with the Golden G̶u̶n̶ Boots. pic.twitter.com/57IrVbsWrB
— Coral (@Coral) November 2, 2019
Aubameyang might have scored Arsenal’s only goal of the game, a first-time finish right out the top drawer which brought him up to 50 goals for Arsenal. But, as has often been the case this season, Aubameyang was forced to either drift wide or drop deep, which deserted him of his cutting edge. Emery just is not doing enough to make use of his start striker the best he can.
SUBSTITUTES
Gabriel Martinelli: 6/10
On for the final 30 minutes, Martinelli was lively and brought a sense of urgency. Nearly converted from Chambers’s cross and connected well with Ozil and Aubameyang. But, in the end, he could not make the difference.
Bukayo Saka: 5/10
Surprisingly introduced ahead of Nicolas Pepe, Saka lacked the killer instinct and apart from a sumptuous cross, he just could not do anything to create a decisive impact.
Sead Kolasinac: N/A
A late substitution, Kolasinac replaced a struggling Tierney.
