Bukayo Saka and Alexandre Lacazette were on target for Arsenal as they defeated Wolves 2-0 at the Molineux this weekend.
Arsenal made it four wins in a row across all competitions as they triumphed 2-0 away at Wolves on Saturday, courtesy goals from Bukayo Saka and Alexandre Lacazette.
The 18-year-old Saka, who had penned a new contract earlier this week, celebrated the extension with a fine strike, handing Arsenal the lead late in the first period. Wolves came back stronger post the break and kept up the pressure in the second half, but were unable to breach the Gunners’ defence, before Lacazette killed the game off with a late goal.
The result sees the North Londoners move into the seventh place in the table, with Mikel Arteta’s men now just three points shy of Wolves in sixth. And here’s how we rated the performances of the Arsenal stars on the night.
Emiliano Martinez: 7/10
Emi Martinez appreciation tweet.
❤️ @emimartinezz1 #WOLARS pic.twitter.com/qE3Nf3Y2OG
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 4, 2020
The Argentine has proven to be more than an able deputy for the injured Bernd Leno. While he didn’t have a whole lot to do in terms of saves, Martinez was aware and alert to any danger in the six-yard box, dealing with crosses efficiently. Closed down Traore to deny a chance in the 1st minute and charged out well, forcing him to chip over the bar in the second half.
Shkodran Mustafi: 7/10
Did not start off on the best of notes, misreading a pass leading to Traore’s chance. But improved as the game wore on and grew more and more assured. Doubled up with Cedric on Traore effectively, forcing the winger to switch flanks. His passing, too, was on point for most of the game. Needs to build on the performance.
David Luiz: 6.5/10
Saw plenty of the ball, but with the central areas packed with bodies, couldn’t always make the best use of it to start attacks. Booked in the first half, which meant he was walking the tightrope for the rest of the game. Held his discipline and fared decently enough, despite getting dragged out wide and beaten for face on an occasion or two.
Sead Kolasinac: 5/10
The Bosnian is still struggling to get accustomed to the role of the left-sided centre-back. Gets dragged out of position way too often, while he didn’t have the easiest of times dealing with Traore once he switched wings. Passing was awry for large parts and gave away fouls in dangerous areas. Perhaps, Arteta could switch him with Tierney, who had excelled in the role during his time at Celtic.
Cedric Soares: 6.5/10
Making his first start for the Gunners after his goal against Norwich City last time out, the Portuguese wasn’t as effective as he was in the last match. Did play a key role in the opener finding Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with a brilliant pass in the build-up. Solid defensively as well. A positive outing.
Dani Ceballos: 5.5/10
Worked hard in the middle and wasn’t shy of performing his defensive duties, but the Spaniard struggled to offer any sort of creative essence on the day. His passing lacked the sharpness and incision which was needed to unlock the hosts backline.
Granit Xhaka: 6/10
The Swiss international has been slowly getting back to his best under Arteta, but his performance against Wolves wasn’t up to that level. While he was a fairly solid presence in the defensive side of things, his passing was a touch sloppy on occasions, which didn’t help Arsenal. Booked for a rash challenge.
Kieran Tierney: 7/10
Kieran Tierney’s first half vs. Wolves by numbers:
82% pass accuracy
6 ball recoveries
2/2 tackles won
2 clearancesInvolved in the goal too. ??????? pic.twitter.com/y6iBvvzDqn
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 4, 2020
Defended well against the threat of Tierney once the Wolves’ man switched flanks and was there to bail out Kolasinac in a few sticky situations. Always a lively presence going forward and delivered a couple of enticing crosses, one of which fell into Saka’s path via a deflection for the opener. Subbed off early in the second half though, as he looks in need of a rest.
Bukayo Saka: 7/10
Starting out on the right flank, the youngster struggled to get going early, lacking the understanding with Cedric and playing wayward passes. But when the opportunity presented itself, made no mistake, scoring with a lovely hooked volley. While his overall performance wasn’t all that great, the opening goal was key for the Gunners to establish a foothold in the game.
? A week in the life of Bukayo Saka…
? Wednesday: Signs da ting
? Saturday: Scores da ting???#WOLARS pic.twitter.com/yNwcROAsVF
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 4, 2020
Eddie Nketiah: 6/10
Back into the starting XI ahead of Lacazette, the academy ace offers good movement upfront, but that was lacking on Saturday. Hit the woodwork when the first real opportunity fell to him around the half-hour mark. Worked hard at the top, pressing the Wolves’ defenders, but didn’t make much of an impact, before being replaced by Lacazette.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 6.5/10
After a brilliant performance last time out, the Arsenal captain wasn’t able to contribute with a goal or assist on Saturday. But in terms of defensive work-rate, the Gabonese forward gave it his all on the left-side. Involved in the lead-up to Saka’s goal, finding Tierney with a delicate flick.
SUBSTITUTES
Ainsley Maitland-Niles: 6/10
Replaced Tierney in the left wing-back slot ten minutes into the second half. Started off a touch awkwardly, which was expected considering he was playing in a position not familiar to him. Got comfortable with time and helped battle the threat of Adama Traore.
Joe Willock: 6.5/10
Sent on in place of Saka in the 75th minute, the youngster once again made an impact from the bench, getting the assist for Lacazette’s goal.
Hector Bellerin: 5/10
Replaced Cedric for the final 15 minutes. Kept things tight to help secure a clean sheet.
Alexandre Lacazette: 7/10
?#WOLARS pic.twitter.com/3rBMbm5PmR
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 4, 2020
Came on for Nketiah in the 83rd minute. Took his goal brilliantly to kill the game off. It was the Frenchman’s first away goal in the Premier League since February 2019(!). Will do his confidence a world of good.
Lucas Torreira: N/A
Back from injury, the Uruguayan got a run-out in the last ten minutes after replacing Ceballos. Booked.
