Arsenal secured a 3-2 victory over Manchester City in Sweden thanks to goals from Alex Iwobi, Theo Walcott, and Chuba Akpom.
Arsenal spent the first half displaying every strength and weakness in their game. The team was organised, pressed well, and made a host of chances but there were defensive errors and, well, a host of missed chances. Sergio Aguero stretched to knock home a Raheem Sterling cross in the 29th minute. The Gunners hit back in the second half thanks to a goal from Alex Iwobi. Theo Walcott latched onto a through ball on the right hand side and found Iwobi with a cross. The Nigerian cut in from the left and curled the ball into the far corner.
Arsenal made it 2-1 through Theo Walcott. He cut in from the right hand side and played a one-two with Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean put Walcott in on goal before the winger chipped it over a stationary Joe Hart. The Gunners made it 3-1 in the 85th minute through Chuba Akpom. City gave the ball away and the youngster pounced. City grabbed one back two minutes later through Kelechi Iheanacho but the Arsenal defence held out for victory.
Petr Cech – 7/10
Made a couple of comfortable saves but could do very little about either City goal. Made a solid save to prevent Yaya Toure equalising in the penultimate minute but the Czech’s distribution was fairly poor.
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Hector Bellerin – 6.5/10
Burst forward a number of times in a typical performance for the Spaniard. Made a good block on Aguero in the 19th minute but was caught too far up the pitch on more than one occasion.
Gabriel Paulista – 6.5/10
Gave the ball away a number of times and was massively out of position for the first City goal. Came of injured in stoppage time
Rob Holding – 6/10
He’s played against Sebastian Giovinco, Didier Drogba, and now Sergio Aguero in his first three Arsenal matches. He was a little bit out of position for the first goal but is still learning. His worst match for Arsenal so far but still impressive. Replaced at half time.
Nacho Monreal – 5.5/10
Looked a little shaky at the start of the match and didn’t really grow into it. One of the worst performances from the Spaniard in a while. His passing was loose and mistimed several challenges.
Francis Coquelin – 6.5/10
Spurned an excellent chance on the 20th minute. In Pokemon terms, Coquelin is the pre-evolved version of Granit Xhaka. Possesses all the same attributes but not quite as good at any of them. It was a decent performance from the Frenchman, especially after Xhaka was brought off at half time.
Granit Xhaka – 7.5/10
The Swiss international showed everything we hope to see. Xhaka battled well and looked assured on the ball and linked up well with his teammates. Brought off at half time, perhaps to be kept fresh for Liverpool.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7/10
Came close with a chip in the 17th minute but put it just wide. Pressed well, set up a great chance for Coquelin in the 20th minute. Looked very good in possession and was one of the best players on the pitch before being replaced at half time.
Aaron Ramsey – 7/10
Good to see the Welshman back in the team and Ramsey had number 8 on his back for the first time. Came close with a header in the 11th minute. Looked a little bit rusty and short of match fitness which is understandable but can be pleased with his 65 minutes.
Alex Iwobi – 6.5/10
Very, very quiet in the first half. Started the second half brighter and took his goal exceptionally well. The goal added shine to a pretty poor performance.
Alexis Sanchez – 7.5/10
It was great to see the Chilean back in an Arsenal shirt. Alexis looked characteristically bright despite his limited training time. Pressed the ball well and saw a wonderful free kick fire off the cross bar just shy of the hour mark. Set up Walott’s goal and can be pleased with his outing. Substituted in the 77th minute.
Subs:
Calum Chambers – 6.5/10
Came on at half time and steadied up the defence alongside Gabriel.
Mohamed Elneny – 6/10
Looked solid on the ball and burst forwards well after coming on at half time. This could be a big season for the Egyptian.
Theo Walcott – 8/10
Brought on for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and played on the right hand side. The Englishman looked much more comfortable and set up the Arsenal equaliser before scoring the second.
Santi Cazorla – 6.5/10
Brought on for Aaron Ramsey in the 65th minute and was typically class on the fourth anniversary of joining Arsenal
Joel Campbell – 6/10
Came on for Alex Iwobi just short of the 70th minute. The Costa Rican struggled to get into the game but didn’t do much wrong.
Keiran Gibbs – 6/10
Came on in the 75th minute for Nacho Monreal and put in a steady shift
Mathieu Debuchy – 6/10
Came on for Hector Bellerin and was just fine.
Chuba Akpom – 6.5/10
Given twelve minutes after replacing Alexis Sanchez and scored Arsenal’s third in the 85th minute.
Unused subs: Ospina, Martinez, Reine-Adelaide, Bielik, Zelalem, Willock
Man of the Match – Theo Walcott
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