Arsenal players ratings vs Doncaster Rovers: The Gunners getting back on track

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A 1-0 victory against a League One team is not promising for a team from the Premier League. Arsenal managed to edge past Doncaster Rovers in their round three fixture of the Carabao Cup.  The first half was free-flowing and easy to the eye from Arsenal, but their wasteful finishing ensured the Gunners had to hold on till the final whistle. Not a promising start to Arsenal’s cup run, but it’s fair to say Arsene Wenger would be happy to leave with a win.

 

Here are the Arsenal players ratings vs Doncaster Rovers:

David Ospina – 7/10

A quiet night for the Columbian. A few good saves, especially the one to deny Matty Blair at the end to deny Doncaster stretching the game into extra time.

Rob Holding – 6/10

A decent outing for the underfire CB. Though his passing was a bit askew on the night, his positioning made up for it. He dealt with a few crosses and was solid on the night. A decent reserve option for the season.

Per Mertesacker – 7/10

The experience at the back on the night, and he was at his best on the night. Giving instructions to the others playing alongside and in front of him. He is more comfortable playing in the 3-4-3 system, and it was on display on the night.

Calum Chambers – 7/10

A defender who looked more comfortable on the ball than the other two. He sprayed passes around the field. Only disappointment being he couldn’t last a full 90 minutes.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 6/10

Any wingback would love to play behind Alexis Sanchez, and given his performance on the night, he greatly profited from his partnership with the Chilean. Had one bad moment, as a loose pass could have been Arsenal’s downfall but wasn’t to be.

Reiss Nelson – 5/10

Not the start he would have hoped for to his Arsenal career. Defensively poor and lacked a real presence in the game.

Mohamed Elneny – 6/10

An okay-ish performance from the Egyptian. His positioning on the night was poor and was caught off the ball on many occasions.

Jack Wilshere – 7.5/10

Signs of promise from Wilshere. He too has to work on his positioning, but an otherwise impressive performance. His link-up play is one of his greatest assets and it was on full display. Should have grabbed an assist after playing in Olivier Giroud, who’s bicycle attempt rattled the crossbar.

Theo Walcott- 7/10

The rating is just for the fact that he scored the only goal of the game, in an otherwise poor performance on the night. He had chances galore, but couldn’t take them. He should be taking those if he aims at regular football.

Alexis Sanchez – 8/10

If anyone wants an impact player in the Premier League, Alexis Sanchez would be candidate #1 on that list. Yes, there were moments where he frustrated with his loose passing and cheap surrendering of possession. But all he needs is one chance to flip a switch and he will do it. Once again, the man of the match for Arsenal.

Olivier Giroud – 6/10

Maybe all those times on the sidelines is taking its toll on the Frenchman on the night. He was way off pace from the word go, and couldn’t really find any rhythm going on the night. Should have scored from an overhead attempt, that just called for a goal. Unlucky.

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