UEFA Champions League player ratings: Arsenal FC – Partizan Belgrade (Part 1)
Arsenal and Partizan went head-to-head last night at Emirates stadium in what was a crucial tie for the Gunners. While Partizan had already been eliminated from the competition, Arsenal needed a positive result to seal a round of 16 spot. Arsene Wenger’s
men registered a 3 – 1 victory with Van Persie, Theo Walcott and Samir Nasri scoring for the Gunners.
Bettor.com analyses the players who took to the pitch last night.
Arsenal FC
Lukasz Fabianski – 6.5
The Polish goalkeeper is slowly winning over the Gunners’ faithful with steady performances. Fabianski made a superb stop in the dying stages of the game while he was not to be blamed for the Partizan goal.
Bacary Sagna – 5
It wasn’t a vintage performance by any means from Sagna who failed to make an impact on the proceedings while he was given an early bath by the referee for a professional foul. The Frenchman was a distant second best to Alexandre Lazevski.
Sebastian Squillaci – 5.5
The defender was guilty of ball watching once too often and Partizan’s goal came around because of Squillaci’s inability to close down Cleo.
Laurent Koscielny – 5.5
Like his partner in the heart of the defence, Koscielny had a poor outing despite the score line. His inability to handle long balls and over-the-top through balls will have Arsene Wenger worried.
Kieran Gibbs – 6
With Clichy withdrawn from the starting line up just before the game, Gibbs was given a start on the left but had to be taken out injured as early as 24th minute.
Samir Nasri – 7.5
The coming-of-age season continues to bear goals for the mercurial Frenchman who had yet another impressive outing for the Gunners. While his running was a constant nuisance for Partizan defence, Nasri scored the all important third goal which sealed the
match for his team.
Denilson – 5.5
The Brazilian had one of the most un-Brazilian games of this season as he was sloppy in possession and was constantly found wanting in defence.
Alexandre Song – 6
It was a decent yet unspectacular performance by the Cameroonian International who had trouble keeping his defensive position. However, he continues to improve his attacking play on a daily basis.
Andrey Arshavin – 6
The Russian has made a habit out of disappearing following good starts and the pattern continued on the night. Arshavin started the match in top gear but failed to maintain the standards and was eventually substituted.
Marouane Chamakh – 6
The Moroccan has been one of the best players for Arsenal so far this season but last night was not one of his better performances.
Robin Van Persie – 6.5
The Talismanic forward won and converted a penalty for his side but the affects of the injury are still evident on his game. On a positive note, Van Persie linked up well with Chamakh and that will bring smiles on the face of Arsene Wenger.
Substitutions:
Emmanuel Eboue – 6
Eboue had to make an early return from injury following Gibbs’ injury and delivered a steady performance.
Theo Walcott – 7.5
Walcott has matured a lot this season and tonight was no different. With his team struggling to make an impact, Walcott was brought on and he delivered the goods as he scored a fine volley.
Nicklas Bendtner – 5.5
Bendtner was given the final few minutes by Wenger by it wasn’t enough to muster any telling contribution.
Tags: