Arsenal started their Premier League campaign at the Emirates, hosting Leicester City. Much of the pre-match talk was about their two summer signings, both of whom featured in their full competitive debut for the club. Let us look at how each player fared as Arsenal just crossed over the finish line over a Leicester City side that gave them a run for their money.
Petr Cech – 6/10
The Arsenal goalkeeper had a mixed night in goal for the Gunners. While he could be held partially responsible for the first goal, as he was nowhere near it.  Helpless for the second and third. Made a few comfortable saves and played like a sweeper keeper, nullifying Jamie Vardy’s pace in attack.
Rob Holding – 4/10
He had a nightmare in defence. He did nothing extravagant to prove Wenger’s faith in him. Employed as the Right Center Back in the back three, he played loose passes and looked nervy on the ball. Definitely not a good start for him.
Nacho Monreal – 5/10
Nacho Monreal is not a centre back by trade. He is a wide player, but injuries meant he took the position of the central defender in the back 3. His performance on the night was much better than Holding’s, but he too lacked the alertness required by a defender when up against a pacy forward like Jamie Vardy. He had Petr Cech to thank on two occasions as the keeper came out of his box to stop an impending threat in attack.
Kolasinac – 7/10
A glimmer of hope for Arsenal, maybe? He was up against Riyad Mahrez and didn’t do well! Probably one of the few times a left sided central defender looked more of a threat going forward than while defending. While he managed to pocket Mahrez during the game, he played neat one-two’s with the forwards and even landed an assist on his Premier League debut. May go down as the signing of the season if he continues at this pace.
Bellerin – 5/10
He had a quiet night, employed as a RWB, he was a good presence down the right. He was up against Albrighton and was not really helped by Holding or Ozil down the right.
Xhaka – 4/10
A mixed game, but more along the negatives for the Swiss international. His sloppy and wayward passing led to Leicester’s second and his laziness to track Vardy’s run led to their third. He redeemed himself with the assists for the 3rd and 4th goal, but he had a night to forget.
Elneny – 6/10
An energetic display by the Egyptian, helping himself to an assist after just 90 seconds of the match with a scrumptious cross for Lacazette to feast on. Pressed with good intensity and looked to link up play in the final third.
Oxlade Chamberlain – 7/10
Many were questioning Chamberlain’s best position at Arsenal, but he proved he was an effective outlet at LWB too.
Constantly taking on Danny Simpson, he provided some dangerous crosses and linked-up play well with his teammates. A permanent position on the cards maybe?
Ozil – 5/10
There were flashes of brilliance, but he faded away as the game progressed. Should work on having an impact on games for much longer periods.
Lacazette – 6/10
Talk about a dream debut. 90 seconds is all it took for the mercurial Frenchman to open his Arsenal account. He proved his versatility by moving to a wide left position to accommodate Giroud. Exciting days ahead for the Gunners, certainly.
Welbeck – 6/10
A workhorse, he put in the shifts and toiled hard to help Chamberlain down the left. Helped himself to a goal, which is a huge plus given the fact that he still isn’t back to full fitness. Came off for Walcott in the 75th minute.
Substitutes:
Ramsey – 7/10
His introduction gave a lift to the Arsenal squad, who played with better-attacking intensity. Arsenal need to maintain his fitness levels as he brings so much of an impact when brought on. Scored the equalizer and set up the stage for an Arsenal winner.
Giroud – 8/10
Easily the Man of the Match. His introduction was applauded by the Arsenal faithful and he didn’t take long to stamp his authority on the game, heading in Arsenal’s winner in the 85th minute, his 99th for the club in all competitions.
Walcott – 5/10
Came in the final 15 minutes, but didn’t do anything significant.
