Arsenal player ratings: Sokratis shines but Xhaka produces horror show as Gunners stutter

CRYSTAL PALACE’S two goal comeback has piled the pressure on Arsenal boss Unai Emery.

Things had started well for the Gunners when Sokratis and David Luiz gave Emery’s side an early 2-0 lead within the opening ten minutes.

Reuters

But Luka Milivojevic’s penalty gave Roy Hodgson’s men a lifeline just before half-time.

Jordan Ayew completed the comeback with a smart header.

Arsenal thought they’d won it late on when Sokratis netted again – but were denied after a length VAR stoppage.

Here is how Jack Figg rated the performances of Unai Emery’s men.

Bernd Leno – 6

Pulled off a smart save just before half-time as Patrick Van Aanholt got a shot forcing the German stopper to push wide on his right. Helpless for the two goals. 

Kieran Tierney – 6

A constant threat on the left in the first 45 putting in some menacing crosses, let down by the timing of his team-mates. Despite a bright start the Scot slowed down in energy by 70 minutes and his workrate suffered

Sokratis – 8

Composed to finish for the first goal inside the box. Made an important clearance to prevent Cahill from a tap in inside the box. Reacted well to finish for what he thought was a second, until VAR ruled out his goal.

David Luiz – 6

Was well positioned at the back post to convert Lacazette’s flick on for the second goal. Lost track of Ayew’s run as the striker was unmarked to nod in Palace’s equaliser. Came close to scoring a winner at the end as Hennessey pulled off a smart stop.

Calum Chambers – 5

Stayed close to Zaha for much of the first half choosing not to go forward but was beaten in a one on one situation by the winger in the box and gave away a penalty. Left his right side exposed as McArthur delivered to Ayew for Palace’s leveller.

Granit Xhaka – 3

Slow at times to close down Palace players picking up the ball in the Arsenal half. No urgency to get the ball forward and was booed by Arsenal fans as he came off, taking a long while to do so, at a time his team needed a goal.

Matteo Guendouzi – 6

Worked well across the midfield to pick up the ball and get going but wasn’t helped by defensive midfield partner Xhaka, meaning he did most the running. Wiped out Zaha late as the winger tried to break free, cynical foul.

Reuters

Dani Ceballos – 6

Played in a No10 role – Mesut Ozil’s famed position – and worked well to get on the ball in the first half but lacked creativity in the second not showing any real promise to get forward and make things happen .

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 4

Was afforded space to come more centrally with Tierney tireselly working down the left wing, but looked well off the pace at the Emirates. No driving runs, barely a scoring chance, looked wasted out wide.

Nicolas Pepe – 6

Two crosses from corners resulted in goals early on, showed willingness to get on the ball and drive, cutting in from the right. But Pepe ran out of ideas at a time the Gunners needed a moment of magic from their record signing.

Alexandre Lacazette – 6

Great flick on to assist Luiz showing determination to get there before a Palace defender. Worked well off the ball but wasn’t given good enough service from his team-mates, hit the post after beating Cahill in the box but volleyed against the woodwork.

SUBS

Saka – 6

Replaced Xhaka and looked desperate to get forward and start attacks, promising showing from the rising star.

Sead Kolasinac – 5

Brought on to give Tierney a rest, the sub didn’t make an impact coming on late.