By Matty Sadler
November 6 2020

Very, very similar game to last week. Started off poorly and didn't really get going till they scored. Once Xhaka moved into midfield and, most notably, Willock was given more freedom, we looked better, and improved more when Saka came on. Comfortably in control of an easy group. Willock is looking very good and must surely be putting himself in Arteta's thinking. Yes the opposition haven't been great but Willock's off the ball movement have caused havoc for defenders. We appear to have found a shape and midfield two that suits Arteta's style in Partey and Elneny, but are still lacking somewhat in an attacking sense. A Partey-Elneny-Willock midfield in a 4-3-3 might be something to consider... Can't see it happening though! Gutted that Smith Rowe and Nelson both missed out.

Leno - 6. Not massively concerned about the kick out for the goal, more concerned about his attempt to save it. Fine otherwise. Honestly not sure why he played.

Mustafi - 5. Didn't think he was great.
Luiz - 5. Didn't think he was great either. Saft booking.
Xhaka - 6. Started off at LCB but both we and he looked much better once he moved into midfield. Played some great balls, including one that led to the second OG.

Maitland-Niles - 6. Thought he was okay. A lot of our first half play came down the right via AMN/ Pepe/ Willock linkup, whereas it's usually down our left. Would like to see more quality in the final third.
Ceballos - 6. Busy as usual but looked better in the second half.

Willock - 8. Started off ok playing deeper but was great again once he was given that freedom. Forced the two own goals, missed two good chances before taking a third (Arsenal’s 4^th) well. Must be pushing for a place in the league match day squad. Offers something none of our other CMs do.

Kolasinac - 5. Always gets into good positions going forward but then the quality is mixed. What a miss though!

Pepe - 6. Similarly to last week he was very frustrating in the first half but looked a bit better and scored in the second half. He has the quality we just need consistency, but we're saying this every week.
Nketiah - 6. Isolated and starved of service until Willock was unleashed. Had one wrongly disallowed for offside, one rightly and missed a good header late on.
Willian - 5. Frustrating. Didn't seem that bothered and we looked better when Saka came on.

Subs:

Cedric - 4. Couple of poor passes. Only positive was that shot/cross that led to Nketiah's disallowed goal.
Saka - 6. Lively cameo but will be glad he was flagged offside after he missed that chance.
Elneny & Tierney - N/A. Not on long but both were lively.

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