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[Player ratings] Man City 3-0 Arsenal: Luiz a total liability, Willock anonymous
It was another away day to forget for Arsenal as we once again imploded to lose 3-0 at Manchester City on Wednesday night.
With half-time approaching and Arsenal holding on, David Luiz – on for the injured Pablo Mari – misjudged the bounce of the ball to gift Raheem Sterling a clear run on goal. The City man lashed home for 1-0 in first half stoppage time. It’s been a long 3 months, but I certainly haven’t missed the individual errors that cost us goals.
Luiz then showed us yet again why he’s a total liability as he was sent off after bringing down Mahrez in the area. Kevin De Bruyne scored the resulting penalty to make it 2-0 in the 50th minute.
City dominated from then on and made it 3-0 late in the second half. Some great interplay between Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero led to the Argentinean hitting the post but Phil Foden tapped home the rebound.
It was another disaster for Arsenal in a big away game. Basic errors leading to goals, another penalty conceded and Luiz sent off yet again. A night to forget.
Here are my ratings:
Leno 7.5/10 | Made two or three superb saves in the first half to keep us in the game. Made another fine save to deny Aguero after the break. Once again ruthlessly exposed by his defence.
Bellerin 5/10 | Given a tough time by Mahrez in defence and offered very little going forward.
Mustafi 5/10 | On the wrong end of a nasty Sterling challenge. Had no answers to the devastating City attack.
Mari N/A | Off mid-way through the first half with a calf injury.
Tierney 6/10 | Was excellent in the opening 20 minutes but influence faded as City took control. Sterling gave him all sorts of problems.
Guendouzi 5/10 | Looked totally lost in midfield. Moved into a deeper role when Xhaka went off but just couldn’t have any real impact on the game.
Xhaka N/A | Forced off early on with injury.
Willock 4/10 | Totally anonymous. Huge decision to omit Ozil and start Willock but he barely touched the ball. Would Ozil have done any worse?
Saka 5/10 | Odd decision by Arteta to start Saka on the right wing. It didn’t work as he had no real influence. Which isn’t surprising as his most potent weapon – crossing with his left foot – was nullified.
Aubameyang 4/10 | Looked uninterested for most of the game. Misses one half chance late on but no real impact. Should be played through the middle, not out wide!
Nketiah 5/10 | Looked sharp early on as he made some decent runs but faded as the game went on.
Subs:
Ceballos 6/10 | A few nice touches and worked hard but over-run by the City midfield at times.
Luiz 0/10 | As I said in my preview, an accident waiting to happen. Another basic error gifted City the lead just before half time before he gave away a penalty by hauling down Mahrez early in the second half. To compound matters he was sent off. As bad a performance as you’ll ever see. A total liability.
Nelson 4/10 | A couple of runs but nothing came of them.
Lacazette 4/10 | No impact off the bench.
Maitland-Niles 4/10 | Nothing of note to report on.
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