Arsenal vs. Partizan Belgrade: Recap and Player Ratings (part 3)
Sebastien Squillaci (7)
The former Seville defender scored his first ever goal for Arsenal last night. Squillaci’s superb header from Nasri’s corner sealed the match for the Gunners. The French defender looked susceptible to errors early on but kept his head and grew as the game
age.
The summer signing was also the most assured member of his defence backline last night. Without a doubt, central defenders are a real commodity in European football, and on evidence it seems Arsenal made another intelligent signing.
Johan Djourou (5)
The young Swedish defender was shaky and was still not hundred percent. The imposing youngster continued unknown partnership with Sebastien Squillaci and was often caught by pace as well as some poor ball control.
Djourou lacked experience on the pitch which was very visible as he made some needless tackles, but otherwise did what little was required from him.
Kieran Gibbs (7.5)
The young English defender was exceptional on the left side of the field. It was a tidy and impressive night from the Englishman. Gibbs defended strongly, showed solid physicality and was a great asset in attack with a number of damaging runs and threatening
crosses. The young defender contributed on both sides of the ball, but conceded a silly late penalty.
Alexandre Song (6)
Alexandre Song was very wasteful in possession with a host of passes going astray. The Cameroon international was played as a defensive midfielder and he managed to perform his duty at the back. While on the other side, his role of playing
as holding midfielder was not up to the standards.
Song was costly in attack. Without a doubt he marshaled the midfield athletically. Song’s passing was askew at times. But overall it was a good performance from the Cameroon international.
Jack Wilshere (8)
Jack Wilshere continues to impress with every appearance. The English teenage sensation was akin to Fabregas in attack, creating and controlling. Wilshere showed terrific balance and composure to assist Arshavin with the exceptional back
heel. The Gunners supporters will be eager to see if ‘The Professor’ dons the English midfielder the responsibility of a start against fierce rivals Chelsea FC.
Denilson (6.5)
Samba star was heavily involved usually with a good impact. Denilson was punished for a flailing arm that resulted in the penalty but withstood the pressure and performed credibly. He needed to make a fantastic tackles early, and did. The Brazilian partnered
Song formidably to provide the Gunners’ bevy of attacking talent.
Tomas Rosicky (6)
Thomas Rosicky was skippering Arsenal last night against Partizan. He drifted in and out of the encounter. Unfortunately he didn’t find the back of the net early and provided a great cross for Chamakh to score for the Gunners. Rosicky saw plenty of the balls
but didn't do anything totally remarkable with them.
Andrei Arshavin (6.5)
The Russian skipper moved expertly and was a consistent threat. While on the other hand he was too wasteful on goal and in possession. A weak penalty from the Arshavin somewhat marred a solid evening.
Arshavin had several chances in an outstanding first half. The Russian over-elaborated at times, though, and faded in the second. Arshavin took the dumb-fire approach on the penalty and earned the save from the Belgrade’s keeper.
Marouane Chamakh (7)
The Moroccan once again showed his ever present work ethic as the lone striker for Arsenal. Chamakh was heavily involved despite being clumsy on occasions but once again provided the necessary physical presence that was needed and deservedly found the score
sheet.
Marouane Chamakh rose to score a crucial second goal, one of many nicely won headers. Chamakh seemed too eager to go to ground, which is not something new for the former Bordeaux man.
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