Arsenal came back from conceding after 42 seconds to draw 1-1 with PSG in the Champions League.
As Arsenal got their Champions League campaign underway with a 1-1 draw out in France, Elgan Alderman rates the Arsenal players.
David Ospina
STAR MAN 8/10 – Nothing he could have done for Cavani’s early opener, but will be thanking his lucky stars that Cavani botched two gilt-edged chances, including a missed open goal when Ospina was beaten to the loose ball. Then made four outstanding saves in the second half to keep his side in the game.
A controversial selection in place of Petr Cech, Ospina kept his side in the game
Shkodran Mustafi
5.5/10 – At sea for the goal on his Champions League debut, allowing Cavani an acre of space to head in untroubled.
Laurent Koscielny
6/10 – Along with Mustafi, part of a defence that was repeatedly cut through though. Saved by his goalkeeper and Cavani’s profligacy in front of goal on several occasions.
Hector Bellerin
7/10 – PSG played with a lot of width and so Bellerin had his hands full all evening, running the most of any Arsenal player with 10.2km covered. Did enough to stop Marquinhos scoring at the very end.
Nacho Monreal
5.5/10 – His opposite man, Serge Aurier, was arguably PSG’s star man, making numerous runs down the right including the assist for PSG’s early goal. Monreal was unable to shackle him.
Arsenal’s Nacho Monreal applauds fans after the game
Santi Cazorla
6.5/10 – Grew into the game, especially alongside his new partners in the second half when Arsenal gained the upper hand.
Francis Coquelin
6/10 – Part of a midfield battle that Arsenal comprehensively lost until the appearance of Xhaka and a formation change saw the midfield shored up. Needs to offer himself more.
Alex Iwobi
6.5/10 – Managed Arsenal’s first shot on goal in the 78th minute, parried to Sanchez for the goal. Sanchez then turned provider, giving Iwobi an excellent chance to net a winner but Areola saved from the youngster.
Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi in action with Paris Saint-Germain’s Marquinhos
Mesut Ozil
7/10 – As usual, Ozil found himself on the ball regularly to distribute around the field, providing the pass to Iwobi that led to the goal.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
6/10 – Gave the ball away too often with misplaced passes. Can’t fault his effort, but needs to be more accurate on the big occasion.
Alexis Sanchez
7/10 – Looked lost at times when playing up front, having to come too deep to get involved in play. But when moved out wide to accommodate Giroud, Sanchez was a new man and it was no surprise that the equaliser came from his boot.
Sanchez scores Arsenal’s goal
SUBSTITUTES
Olivier Giroud (63’ for Oxlade-Chamberlain)
4/10 – His presence up front allowed Sanchez to move out wide. Received a second yellow late on, which was somewhat harsh. First yellow was unnecessary though. Won’t have ingratiated himself to the disbelieving fans.
Giroud being shown a red card by referee Viktor Kassai
Granit Xhaka (71’ for Coquelin)
6.5/10 – Strengthened the midfield, giving Arsenal a platform to build on and find an equaliser.
Mohamed Elneny (85’ for Ozil)
Not enough time to make an impact.
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