Arsenal ratings: Mesut Ozil useless, Sokratis a shambles with Gabriel Martinelli best of a bad bunch
ARSENAL once again put on a masterclass in how not to defend as they were blown away by Manchester City at the Emirates.
The Citizens ran out easy 3-0 winners in North London as Kevin De Bruyne netted a double, while Raheem Sterling also got on the score sheet.
The Gunners remain in ninth spot in the Premier League, meaning they are as close to the bottom three as they are to the top four.
There weren’t even many boos come the full-time whistle with fans now used to turning up to their ground expecting to be played off the pitch.
Freddie Ljungberg started a side supporters were keen to see, but the majority of the players failed to turn up as they were no match for City’s free and fast-flowing football.
With a new manager surely soon to be appointed, you wouldn’t be surprised if half of those that started are nowhere near the starting XI next season.
Here’s how SunSport’s Jake Lambourne rated and slated the Gunners.
BERND LENO – 6/10
Could do nothing about City’s goals, and prevented De Bruyne from scoring his hat-trick with another save of the season contender.
Made multiple stops in the second half to stop the game from being a 6-0 loss.
AINSLEY MAITLAND-NILES – 4
He’s not a right-back and shouldn’t be played there. Looked vulnerable whenever City attacked down the flanks, and was caught out on multiple occasions.
It’s unfair on the the ex-Ipswich loanee to keep having to play in defence, because he struggles in one-on-one situations and fails to track runners.
CALUM CHAMBERS – 4
Arsenal fans have been begging for Chambers to start in central defence, but the former Southampton man struggled to live with Gabriel Jesus.
For both the first and second goals he failed to close down quick enough, but he wasn’t helped out by the lack of support from the midfield.
SOKRATIS – 3
If Arsenal have any ambition whatsoever, they need to get rid of the Greek international in January.
Slow, cumbersome and rash, it’s baffling to think how he was once considered as one of the top defenders in Europe during his time at Borussia Dortmund.
Misses the next match against Everton due to suspension, though fans will be happy he won’t play no part.
SEAD KOLASINAC – 4
Did a few good runs before he went off injured after being challenged by Rodri.
Defensively still suspect and he again fails to get back to his position quickly.
MATTEO GUENDOZUI – 4
Provided his defence with almost no cover and was ineffective in the final third with the ball at his feet.
The midfielder is undoubtedly a talented footballer, but he simply had no input in the game.
LUCAS TORREIRA – 4
He’s meant to be the holding midfielder, so why were the likes of De Bruyne and Phil Foden allowed so much time on the ball on the edge of the box?
Not the player that supporters were raving about last season. If he carries on like this, he needs to be shipped off at the end of the season.
MESUT OZIL – 3
Compare him with De Bruyne – one performs in the big games – the other does not.
His crosses into the box were easily cleared and he failed to create any key chances of note.
Had no right to kick his gloves off in anger after being subbed off. Needs to be sold.
NICOLAS PEPE – 4
Always looked to beat his man and was trying to get in behind the defence, but provided nothing for his team-mates.
For a player that cost £72million, you expect him to do more, no matter what his form is like.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6
The only outfield player that can walk off the pitch proud of their performance.
Martenilli almost broke the deadlock inside 30 seconds after racing clear, but Ederson did well to close him down.
The 18-year-old never stopped running whether it be making attacking sprints or closing down City players.
Signed from the Brazilian fourth-tier in the summer, he is without a doubt Arsenal’s best outfield player at the moment. Let that sink in.
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANBG – 5
Went close with a header at the start of the second half in what was his only major contribution.
Had no support, and was often a passenger watching the game go past him.
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BUKAYO SAKA – 5
Came on for an injured Kolasinac in the first half with the winger asked to turn out at left-back.
Didn’t disgrace himself and still looked to attack whenever he got the chance.
EMILE SMITH ROWE – 5
A 59th minute substitute for Ozil, the midfielder made a number of dribbles to glide past City players.
But like his team-mates, he couldn’t find a killer pass. Should be given a start over Ozil in future games.
JOE WILLOCK – 5
Came on with just ten minutes to go, Willock simply didn’t have enough time to make an impact.