[Player ratings] Cologne 1-0 Arsenal: Elneny poor as Wilshere frustrates

By mac14 on November 23, 2017

We slumped to a poor 1-0 defeat to Cologne this evening thanks to a questionable penalty midway through the second half.

Here are my ratings:

Ospina 6/10 | Had very little to do other than pick the ball out the net.

Chambers 5.5/10 | Did his best but he’s not a wing-back. Just didn’t offer anything down the right flank. Should have started in defence with Debuchy out wide.

Mertesacker 7/10 | Made a couple of decent interceptions are was rarely troubled by the Cologne attack.

Holding 6/10 | Steady and unspectacular. Didn’t do enough to force his way in to Wenger’s first team plans.

Debuchy 6.5/10 | Harshly penalised for the penalty as it was a blatant dive. Was otherwise solid enough at the back. Thought he should have played in the wing-back role.

Coquelin 5/10 | Almost broke his scoring duck when he hit the post but passing was off [again].

Elneny 5/10 | Set pieces were woeful. No idea why he was taking them. Offers very little creativity and there was no need for him and Coquelin in the side tonight.

Maitland-Niles 7/10 | Arguably our best player in the first half. Very positive on the ball. Less involved after the break.

Wilshere 6/10 | Disappointing. Looked a yard off the pace and kept hold of the ball for too long at times. He did have a nice shot on goal near the end but not the kind of performance that will see him breaking in to the first team.

Welbeck 6/10 | Good to see Danny back on the pitch and he had a few encouraging moments before being subbed at half-time. Presumably it was pre-planned as he didn’t look to be carrying a knock.

Giroud 5/10 | Didn’t really influence the game. Was a focal point but the balls in to him were poor and he didn’t have much support.

Subs:

Iwobi 6/10 | On for Welbeck at half time and had some lively moments.

Nelson 6.5/10 | Showed great feet to create a chance and almost nicked a goal.

Nketiah N/A | Not given much time to influence things.

WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM ARSENAL’S DEFEAT TO COLOGNE

It was a poor display all round but as the other game ended goalless we have still secured top spot, which is something I suppose. Next up, Burnley away on Sunday….