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[Player ratings] Blackpool 0-3 Arsenal: Willock shines but Nketiah frustrates

By mac14 on January 5, 2019

Joe Willock scored twice as Arsenal booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 3-0 victory over Blackpool at Bloomfield Road this evening.

Willock scored the opener with a close range header after Aaron Ramey’s free-kick had hit the bar before making it 2-0 shortly before half time with another simple finish. We wrapped-up the three points with a third late on when Alex Iwobi converted after Ramsey’s shot was well saved.

Here are my ratings:

Čech 6/10 | Made a great save to deny Gnanduillet but was otherwise a relatively easy night’s work.

Jenkinson 6.5/10 | His cross led to the second goal and he wasn’t really troubled at the back. Solid outing.

Lichtsteiner 5.5/10 | Had a few nervy moments, particularly in the first half, but did alright at centre-back to be fair. I expected worse.

Sokratis 7/10 | Dealt well against a physical Blackpool attack. Glad he got through the game unscathed.

Kolasinac 6/10 | Quiet going forward by his standards but solid enough defensively.

Elneny 6/10 | Went about his business efficiently and broke up play. Scuffed a couple of long-range shots.

Ramsey 7.5/10 | Saw his free-kick hit the upright which led to the opener and his shot was saved in the build-up to Iwobi’s goal. Saw plenty of the ball and put in a decent shift.

Maitland-Niles 7/10 | Worked hard and protected Jenks when needed. Linked up well down the right side.

Willock 8/10 | Excellent all-round performance. On hand to score two goals from close range and almost had his hat-trick when he saw a late third correctly ruled out for offside. Certainly took his chance to impress.

Iwobi 7.5/10 | Got his goal with a simple finish late on to make it 3-0 and should have made it 4-0 shortly after. Showed some lovely control at times and linked up well around the box.

Nketiah 6/10 | Frustrating night for the youngster. Should have had a first half hat-trick but spurned a number of excellent opportunities. Definitely deserved a goal tonight as he led the line well and showed great movement but not his night in front of goal.

Subs:

WATCH THE GOALS FROM BLACKPOOL 0-3 ARSENAL HERE

Lacazette 5/10 | A few good touches around the box.

Medley N/A | Nice to see him get a few minutes at the end.

Saka N/A | Only got 5 minutes.

A straightforward night’s work and Arsenal are in to the hat for the fourth round draw. West Ham up next in the league…