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[Player ratings] Dundalk 2-4 Arsenal: Smith Rowe & Balogun star for Gunners

By mac14 on December 10, 2020

Arsenal maintained our 100 percent record in the group stages of the Europa League with a 4-2 victory over Dundalk in Ireland this evening.

We started reasonably well and opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Eddie Nketiah did well to get clear before dinking over the goalkeeper for 1-0 and Mo Elneny smashed into the top corner from 25 yards to double our advantage minutes later.

Jordan Flores pulled one back for Dundalk in the 22nd minute with a decent strike – although I feel Alex Runarsson could have done better to keep it out – but Joe Willock restored our two-goal advantage midway through the second half.

Folarin Balogun made another impressive impact off the bench as not only did he assist Willock for his goal but he made it 4-1 to Arsenal with a lovely finish. Dundalk grabbed another late on to make it 4-2 but Arsenal held on to make it 6 wins from 6 games in Group B.

Here are my ratings:

Runarsson 5/10 | Should have done better to keep out both goals. Very unconvincing performance. Let’s hope Leno stays fit based on this display.

Chambers 6.5/10 | Great to see him getting 90 minutes under his belt. Comfortable at the back and had a goal ruled out for offside. Passing was a bit rusty at times but to be expected.

Mustafi 6/10 | Captained the team and had a relatively easy night – although he still marshalled a defence that conceded twice to Dundalk.

Mari 6/10 | Some nice passing out from the back but should definitely have done better to prevent the second goal.

Cedric 6.5/10 | A decent outing and went close to scoring with a well taken free-kick.

Maitland-Niles 7/10 | Showed his versatility once again with a good showing – this time at left wing-back.

Elneny 7/10 | Scored a stunning 25-yard strike into the top corner to make it 2-0. Subbed early in the second half to save his legs.

Pepe 6.5/10 | Assisted Balogun for his goal and was involved in some nice moves but not at his best tonight.

Willock 7/10 | Got another goal in the Europa League to cap a solid all-round performance.

Smith Rowe 7.5/10 | A real creative edge for us. Always busy on the ball and got an assist for Elneny’s goal. Great to see him looking so sharp. Could be a useful player to have in a team that lacks creativity.

Nketiah 7/10 | Nice touch and finish to open the scoring and net his fifth goal of the season making him Arsenal’s top scorer.

Subs:

Ceballos 6.5/10 | Odd decision to risk him considering Partey is now out again but came through unscathed.

Balogun 8/10 | What an impact! Great hold-up play to set-up Willock for his goal and made it 4-1 with a lovely composed finish into the bottom corner. Looks a proper player. Arsenal need to get that contract signed asap!

Cottrell and Azeez N/A | Brilliant to see the kids getting some game-time with late cameo’s.

Watch the goals here: