The opponents may change but the performances remain the same. Arsenal are just not fluent in any shape or form at the moment. After being mauled by Aston Villa and with the benefit of an international break, fans were hoping for a response in the Leeds v Arsenal game, sadly it didn’t come.
It was the same disappointing and frustrating performance that gave fans little to smile about. Here are my ratings for the players.
Leno: 5
Some good moments, but I’d rather he didn’t come out or attempt to punch the ball. Sometimes lives dangerously with an inconsistent Arsenal defence. Great save from Dallas, but he was outplayed by his goal frame which kept Leeds at bay three times.
Bellerin: 5
The Spaniard doesn’t look safe with Holding on the right. Created the move of the match for Saka but was caught out on occasion, once too often.
Holding: 3
I’m rapidly losing faith because he isn’t really up to the Premier League standard and was often left exposed or scrambling back in a blind panic. I’m not sure he has a future at the club.
Gabriel: 6
Needs support but, by far, the best central defender Arsenal have at present. Bold, aggressive, physically strong, he seemed to be the last line of defence all night long.
Tierney: 6
Worked his socks off in the Leeds v Arsenal match, willing to push up when he got the opportunity but not allowed to do more because of the rigid tactics. Great spirit throughout and gives everything.
Ceballos: 4
Defensively sound, but hardly the creative influence that the Gunners need. When the seasons over, he needs to head back to Spain.
Xhaka: 4
Another insipid performance with not much to shout about. It appears that the former captain has ended his redemption and is cruising in midfield.
Joe Willock: 4
Another no show. So inconsistent and unable to influence a game. Running about with little or no purpose needs to be loaned out to find his game. He looked like he knew that an opportunity had passed him by when he was substituted.
Pepe: 2
Probably would have got slightly higher for his work rate, but his sending off left Arsenal with a mountain to climb for 40 minutes. His performance splutters and on some occasions, you can see what all the fuss was about, on other occasions he looks out of his depth and incredibly limited. The sending-off will probably see him on the bench for some time to come. Incredibly frustrating.
Aubameyang: 4
Poor touch and low on confidence. There’s something wrong when one of the top strikers in the game can’t get a single shot on target. Arteta needs to get this guy scoring again… quickly.
Willian: 3
Yet another poor show by the Brazilian and despite some fans claiming that he hasn’t had enough time or that he’s lacking confidence after being alternated with Pepe, the signs aren’t good. He hasn’t shown 30% of the form that was so evident in another blue shirt or the game against Fulham.
Nelson: 6
Lots of running, but not able to make a dent in the Leeds v Arsenal game. His direct approach towards the opposition goal was a breath of fresh air, needs more starts.
READ MORE:
Cottrell, Azeez and Balogun: Is Arteta About to Unleash the Kids in the Europa League
Willian or Pepe: If you had to Ship one out in January, who Would you Choose
Leeds Dominate a Flat and Toothless 10-man Arsenal
Saka: 8
For the short time, he was in the field, he showed the senior players how to deliver a performance. Nearly managed to get Aubameyang on the scoresheet. Not perfect and should have stolen the Leeds v Arsenal game from Bellerin’s pass.
Maitland Niles: 4 (No Mark – Not enough time on the pitch, general performance)
Looking ordinary and with no real attacking threat. Recent games have proved to be exhausting with the better football provided by the opposition. It’s hard to know what to do next to get this flat-looking, ordinary Arsenal side moving.
