Ratings:
Raya = 7
Shaky first 20 minutes, then was brilliant, made some excellent saves.
MLS = 7.5
Excellent on the ball today, the way he evades the press and turns on a dime is extremely impressive for his age, made some lovely passes between the lines today.
Gabi = 7.5
A bit Shaky in the first 20 minutes, however was excellent from that point on. Lovely pass in behind for the 4th goal. Unlucky not to grab a goal after hitting the crossbar from a header.
Saliba = 6
Uncharacteristically shaky on the ball today, well below his normally sublime standard. Made some lovely carries into midfield nevertheless.
Timber = 7
Solid today. One of our most consistent performers. Worked very well with Nelli at RW today. Wonderful player.
Partey = 5
Very poor today. Left large central spaces in front of the defence vacated (areas that a 6 should be covering), poor on the ball and passing wise today. Struggled defensively, often found jogging back when Palace were on the counter. At fault for the first goal.
Ødegaard = 6
Wasteful at times, however he is still getting back into his groove after 3 months out, but this was his best game back since his injury. Played deeper today and did well in build-up.
Havertz = 8
Very good today from LCM. Brought excellent duelling and won nearly every single 2nd ball, made some brilliant carries today and grabbed a goal, a very solid performance from Kai today.
Nelli = 8
RW was a breath of fresh air for Nelli today as he was on his stronger right foot. Made some excellent deliveries and an excellent poachers finish for his goal. Time for Nelli to build upon this, a couple games at RW in Saka’s absence might be what Nelli needs.
Jesus = 9
Jesus has risen! Man of the match. The qualities he brings are so under appreciated, he rotated brilliantly today with Nelli. Scored two lovely goals and was unlucky to not get a third after hitting the post which ended up being an assist for Havertz’s goal. 2 games 5 goals for Jesus, he might actually be back !!
Saka = N/A
Let’s hope the injury is not bad, however it does not look great (looks like a bad hamstring tear).
Rice – 8.5
Only on for 30 minutes today, however, came on and changed the game. Secured us defensively and made some lovely ball carries. Excellent assist for Nelli’s goal and scored a brilliant goal. Rice is a sublime player and an essential part of this team, worth every single penny we paid for him. World Class.
Trossard – 7
Was good today, gave the ball away a few times too many today and his passing slightly lacked incisiveness and accuracy. However, he did some very nice things and made a brilliant run in behind, crossing the ball into the box for Jesus, whose effort which was saved resulted in Nelli’s goal.
Calafiori – N/A
Merino – N/A
Nwaneri – N/A
After Thoughts:
Stand out Palace player: Sarr = 8
Excellent finish for his goal curling the ball around both Saliba and Raya. Was unlucky to not get an assist due to Mateta’s poor finishing today and was unlucky not to get a second goal from a header which Raya saved excellently.
Arsenal’s Tactical Set Up:
Arsenal often took up a diamond in midfield when in possession, with Partey at the base as the 6, MLS inverted as an 8 at LCM, and Ødegaard as an 8 as well at RCM, with Havertz as a second striker. This Diamond set up, allowed Arsenal to be extremely attacking and fluid, today’s performance was one of Arsenal’s best attacking displays this season. The diamond set up meant that Havertz didn’t have to be involved in build up too much as Partey, Ødegaard (dropping deep), and Skelly handled that burden.
Ødegaard is far better in this deeper 8 role rather than as a 10.
Jesus fluidly interchanged with Nelli, with Jesus rotating to LW while Nelli moved inside to CF. The same occurred when Nelli played RW. I think it is essential that Jesus remains at CF for the next few games as it is best for the teams dynamics and fluidity, and he has also earned it.
For a team that has struggled to create or score from open play over the last few games, Arsenal were electric today and were significantly improved in the aforementioned areas. Central progression was also far better today but still can be improved.
Today was an excellent performance which Arsenal must build upon. COYG 🔴⚪️
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