The Europa league was back last night, the competition we never thought we'd find ourselves looking forward to between league games. Though even that was thrown into doubt until a Pepe 15 minute masterclass papered over some worryingly large cracks.
Whilst it would never have been the most important of games results wise, a good performance would have really helped relieve some of the pressure on certain shoulders once again. Arsenal started sluggishly though and 8 minutes in we found ourselves behind. Ex-spurs academy player Edwards found himself with space in the box, before twisting away from Tierney and firing low past Martinez.
Arsenal continued to struggle making chances but were somewhat gifted an equaliser. Tierney fired in a superb cross but Martinelli was afforded a completely free header while the 'keeper came partially off his line, allowing the ball to be nodded beyond him and nestle into the goal.
Unfortunately the relief was short lived as Vitoria found their way back into the game once more. AMN's poor control allowed Vitoria to force a dangerous turnover. The initial low strike from Davidson hit the post and bounced back out to Duarte who lashed a venomous effort beyond Martinez.
The second half brought some improvement but not too much to trouble Vitoria. Willock and AMN were rightly hauled off for Guendouzi and Ceballos but it was the away side who started the half brighter, Martinez being forced into a couple of early saves. It wasn't until Pepe's introduction that the game changed for the better with his £72m price tag shining through. The first of his goals was a trickier angle, approximately 25-30 yards out and to the right of the goal, he managed to bend it around the outside and into the side netting, low enough and with enough pace to beat the despairing dive of Silva in goal. If Emery was still to be in charge come Sunday, it felt as though it was gonna be Pepe he could thank.
Then with the final kick of the game, Emery found himself thanking Pepe for the 2nd time. Guendouzi's driving run brought a foul in a more central area around 20-25 yards out. Pepe took control and this time found the top of that left hand corner to send the Emirates and players into rapturous relief. How much time it has potentially bought Emery remains to be seen, but Pepe has arrived!!
Ratings:
Emery - 5
It's not often before AND during a match I can't work out how our midfield is going to work, but this time I found my head scratching. Was it a 4231? Was it 433? Could it have even been a 442/4222? Worries were yet again well founded but thankfully Emery had the awareness to right his wrongs early enough at half time to try and change the game for the better.
Martinez - 6
His ability on the ball was again evident and he made a couple of smart stops that he made look a little easier than they perhaps were. Though there might be some questions over the goals as he was beaten through his legs and then at his near post, albeit via venomous efforts.
Bellerin - 5
Looks like he's lacking the sharpness of a player who's been out injured for almost a year which is understandable. Pleasing he could complete the full 90 minutes though which can only be a positive.
Mustafi - 6.5
Lowkey impressive performance once again. Hasn't necessarily done anything outstanding but appears he has gone back to basics and it is proving fruitful. Sensible on the ball, found his passing range again which is particularly impressive and dare I say, is forming a good partnership with Holding.
Holding - 6
Perhaps not his best night in an Arsenal shirt, like Bellerin it feels as though he's missing a bit of sharpness you might expect of a player who's been out injured for a year.
Tierney - 6.5
A quieter performance today than his previous 2 outings and struggled a touch going backwards. Got a good assist from another fantastic cross and made one or two good defensive contributions which gives him the extra half point above a neutral score.
Torreira - 7
It's amazing how much a players performance can improve when played in their more natural position isn't it? And then how much more they struggle when moved out of that position... The only competent midfielder in the 1st half and used the ball well, but clearly looked uncomfortable when moved further forward in the second half.
Willock - 4
A really disappointing performance and was unusually sloppy in position. Personally, I don't feel he's best in a double pivot so again you could point the finger at Emery for being misused again but still should have and could have done better.
AMN - 3
Even more disappointing than Willock. His second chance in what he believes to be his preferred midfield position was far from convincing, not helped by giving away the ball for Vitoria's second.
ESR - 6
Did well for the most part, probed and looked dangerous but missed a very good opportunity to equalise at 2-1 down.
Martinelli - 7
An absolute nuisance to opposition defences. Vitora made his headed goal easy but he took it nevertheless and can't ask for any more than that. His off the ball work-rate is exceptional.
Lacazette - 4
Looked off the pace all game and didn't provide much of a focal point or a threat in attack. An off-night topped off by some embarrassing theatrics, with his last contribution to be booked for arguing with the referee.
Ceballos - 6.5
A strong 45 minutes, good probing passes to try and get in behind the Vitoria back 4 that unfortunately didn't come to fruition.
Guendouzi - 6
Gave us some more control in the 2nd half that willock was unable to provide. Won the free-kick for Pepe's winner superbly. A young man that looks full of confidence.
Pepe - 9 (MOTM)
Probably somewhat sums up the display on the whole when a 75th minute substitute wins MOTM, but he brought the magic when it was needed most, we couldn't have got a result without it let alone a win.
@groningergooner
Whilst it would never have been the most important of games results wise, a good performance would have really helped relieve some of the pressure on certain shoulders once again. Arsenal started sluggishly though and 8 minutes in we found ourselves behind. Ex-spurs academy player Edwards found himself with space in the box, before twisting away from Tierney and firing low past Martinez.
Arsenal continued to struggle making chances but were somewhat gifted an equaliser. Tierney fired in a superb cross but Martinelli was afforded a completely free header while the 'keeper came partially off his line, allowing the ball to be nodded beyond him and nestle into the goal.
Unfortunately the relief was short lived as Vitoria found their way back into the game once more. AMN's poor control allowed Vitoria to force a dangerous turnover. The initial low strike from Davidson hit the post and bounced back out to Duarte who lashed a venomous effort beyond Martinez.
The second half brought some improvement but not too much to trouble Vitoria. Willock and AMN were rightly hauled off for Guendouzi and Ceballos but it was the away side who started the half brighter, Martinez being forced into a couple of early saves. It wasn't until Pepe's introduction that the game changed for the better with his £72m price tag shining through. The first of his goals was a trickier angle, approximately 25-30 yards out and to the right of the goal, he managed to bend it around the outside and into the side netting, low enough and with enough pace to beat the despairing dive of Silva in goal. If Emery was still to be in charge come Sunday, it felt as though it was gonna be Pepe he could thank.
Then with the final kick of the game, Emery found himself thanking Pepe for the 2nd time. Guendouzi's driving run brought a foul in a more central area around 20-25 yards out. Pepe took control and this time found the top of that left hand corner to send the Emirates and players into rapturous relief. How much time it has potentially bought Emery remains to be seen, but Pepe has arrived!!
Ratings:
Emery - 5
It's not often before AND during a match I can't work out how our midfield is going to work, but this time I found my head scratching. Was it a 4231? Was it 433? Could it have even been a 442/4222? Worries were yet again well founded but thankfully Emery had the awareness to right his wrongs early enough at half time to try and change the game for the better.
Martinez - 6
His ability on the ball was again evident and he made a couple of smart stops that he made look a little easier than they perhaps were. Though there might be some questions over the goals as he was beaten through his legs and then at his near post, albeit via venomous efforts.
Bellerin - 5
Looks like he's lacking the sharpness of a player who's been out injured for almost a year which is understandable. Pleasing he could complete the full 90 minutes though which can only be a positive.
Mustafi - 6.5
Lowkey impressive performance once again. Hasn't necessarily done anything outstanding but appears he has gone back to basics and it is proving fruitful. Sensible on the ball, found his passing range again which is particularly impressive and dare I say, is forming a good partnership with Holding.
Holding - 6
Perhaps not his best night in an Arsenal shirt, like Bellerin it feels as though he's missing a bit of sharpness you might expect of a player who's been out injured for a year.
Tierney - 6.5
A quieter performance today than his previous 2 outings and struggled a touch going backwards. Got a good assist from another fantastic cross and made one or two good defensive contributions which gives him the extra half point above a neutral score.
Torreira - 7
It's amazing how much a players performance can improve when played in their more natural position isn't it? And then how much more they struggle when moved out of that position... The only competent midfielder in the 1st half and used the ball well, but clearly looked uncomfortable when moved further forward in the second half.
Willock - 4
A really disappointing performance and was unusually sloppy in position. Personally, I don't feel he's best in a double pivot so again you could point the finger at Emery for being misused again but still should have and could have done better.
AMN - 3
Even more disappointing than Willock. His second chance in what he believes to be his preferred midfield position was far from convincing, not helped by giving away the ball for Vitoria's second.
ESR - 6
Did well for the most part, probed and looked dangerous but missed a very good opportunity to equalise at 2-1 down.
Martinelli - 7
An absolute nuisance to opposition defences. Vitora made his headed goal easy but he took it nevertheless and can't ask for any more than that. His off the ball work-rate is exceptional.
Lacazette - 4
Looked off the pace all game and didn't provide much of a focal point or a threat in attack. An off-night topped off by some embarrassing theatrics, with his last contribution to be booked for arguing with the referee.
Ceballos - 6.5
A strong 45 minutes, good probing passes to try and get in behind the Vitoria back 4 that unfortunately didn't come to fruition.
Guendouzi - 6
Gave us some more control in the 2nd half that willock was unable to provide. Won the free-kick for Pepe's winner superbly. A young man that looks full of confidence.
Pepe - 9 (MOTM)
Probably somewhat sums up the display on the whole when a 75th minute substitute wins MOTM, but he brought the magic when it was needed most, we couldn't have got a result without it let alone a win.
@groningergooner
Comments
Post a Comment