Arsenal hosted Vorskla Poltava in their opening match in Group E of the Europa League at the Emirates on Thursday evening. Read on for Layth Yousif’s PLAYER RATINGS
Arsenal:
Bernd Leno: 7 - Became the 12th German to represent Arsenal. If he’s anything like the last Teutonic netminder for the Gunners he will be doing well. Not much to report on a quiet evening part from the fact we can confirm his technique is suited to playing out from the back
Stephan Lichtsteiner: 7 - Showed his experience in his first start for Arsenal in only his second appearance for the club
Rob Holding: 7 - Handed a first start of the season on his 23rd birthday and did not disappoint
Sokratis: 7.5 - Not the most commanding central defender but is gradually revealing his superb anticipation and awareness. Also supplemented the attack playing a big part in Ozil’s goal
Nacho Monreal: 7 - Solid and consistent as ever in a low key game
Mo Elneny: 7 - Shielded well but in reality will have had far busier evenings as he made his first start of the season
Lucas Torreira: 7 - Made his first start for the club. Showed exceptional technique and vision for a defensive midfielder. An exciting prospect
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: 7.5 - Fed Iwobi with a precise pass before the 22-year-old squared for the first goal. A perfect microcosm of what the talented Armenian can provide. Right-footed shot palmed over the bar by Vorskla keeper Shust and provided a delicious cross for Welbeck’s goal
Alex Iwobi: 7 - An assist for Aubameyang’s goal. Note how he dropped to his knees in a joyously spontaneous moment. Good to see Emery is bringing the best out of this talented attacker who lost his way over the last season or two
Danny Welbeck: 7.5 - Nodded home the second. Worked hard on and off the ball and dovetailed well with PEA
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 8 - Clinical finish for the opening goal as he fired home across the face of keeper Shust’s net. Clipped the post with a right-footed curler before the break. A class act
Mesut Ozil: 7.5 - On for PEA. Superb technique in the way he calmly slotted home a half-volley to make it four
Matteo Guendouzi: 7 - Replaced Torreira. Raw but every minute he plays on the pitch will benefit his progression
Emile Smith-Rowe: 7 - Good to see the crowd acknowledge one of their own as he came on for the ever-improving Iwobi, who also deserved his ovation as he departed
FC Vorskla:
Bohdan Shust: 6
Igor Perduta: 6
Ardin Dallku: 6
Volodymyr Chesnakov: 7
Artur: 6
Alexsandre Kobakhidze: 6
Dmytro Kravchenko: 6.5
Vyacheslav Sharpar: 6.5
Pavlo Rebenok: 6
Vyadyslav Kulach: 6
Yurly Kolomoets: 6
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