[Player Ratings] Arsenal 3-0 BATE – Gunners Seal Spot In Europa League Last 16

Arsenal secured their place in the next round of the Europa League with a comfortable 3-0 win over BATE Borisov.

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Team News – Player Ratings – Match Highlights
Match: Arsenal (0) v (1) BATE Borisov
Stadium: Emirates Stadium
Kick-Off (UK Time): 17:55 21/02/2019
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All eyes were on the returning Mesut Ozil when this match kicked off but it was another Arsenal attacker who made the first impact. With a little over three minutes on the clock, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang burst down the right flank and sent a cross into the box. His pass took a major deflection off BATE’s Zakhar Volkov and into the back of the net.

Alex Iwobi started brightly and the Nigerian international very nearly added a second when his curling shot whipped just wide of the far post.

The Gunners pressed forward but their defensive frailties were on display once again. Simple mistakes hurt Unai Emery’s side as Stephan Lichtsteiner was forced to clear a shot off the line to help his side.

Arsenal were left feeling a little more comfortable shortly before the break. Granit Xhaka capped a solid first-half performance with a fine cross for the second goal. The corner came in from the left-hand side and Shkodran Mustafi raced onto the ball to head home.

The second half began with Arsenal knowing that they needed a third goal to kill the tie but they had to wait to get it. Substitute Sokratis seized upon a goalkeeping error to head home on the hour-mark and make the match safe for his side.

The third goal killed the match as Arsenal shut up shop and made sure of their place in the next round of the competition.

Here’s how we rate the Arsenal players:

Petr Cech – 6

Petr Cech didn’t have to make a save of note and only completed a few dozen passes.

Stephan Lichtsteiner – 7

He did well. Stephan Lichtsteiner made a crucial goal-line clearance with the score at 1-0 which capped a solid performance. His crossing was a little disappointing but he can be pleased with his night.

Shkodran Mustafi – 7

Shkodran Mustafi grabbed an important goal for his side which capped a decent night. The German defender looked a little suspect at the back on occasion but grew with the match.

Laurent Koscielny – 6

Laurent Koscielny did well enough. The Frenchman was quick off the mark to intercept the ball and kept possession reasonably well, especially with his long passing. It was a shame to see him replaced, let’s hope it’s not too serious.

Sub: Sokratis (57′) – 7

A good cameo from Sokratis. It can be hard for defenders to come off the bench but he looked sharp on his return to action.

Nacho Monreal – 6

Not the best Arsenal performer on the pitch. Nacho Monreal made a couple of defensive errors in the first half which almost cost his side a goal but responded well after the break.

Matteo Guendouzi – 6

He did well this evening. Matteo Guendouzi worked hard and kept the ball reasonably well. His attacking movement didn’t quite have the impact he would

Sub: Lucas Torreira (63′) – 6

Lucas Torreira did what Arsenal needed of him. The substitute kept the midfield tight and passed the ball well to kill the match.

Granit Xhaka – 7.5

Granit Xhaka put in a good performance in the centre of the park. He moved the ball around the pitch extremely well, showcasing an eye-catching passing range, grabbing a couple of assists from corners.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6.5

The Armenian did well enough. Henrikh Mkhitaryan worked hard and found space in key areas down that right flank. He linked up well with the rest of the attack.

Sub: Denis Suarez (78′) – 

Mesut Ozil – 6

Mesut Ozil did well at times during his return to the starting lineup. The German started well, showing up in threatening areas and making good runs off the ball. Ozil did drift out of the match for a period around halftime and his final ball disappointed at times.

Alex Iwobi – 6.5

Alex Iwobi can be pleased with his night. The Nigerian international started brightly and was very unfortunate not to grab at least one goal. He worked hard and linked up well with the rest of the attack.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 7

He started well but much like Arsenal, drifted in and out of the match. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang impressed at times and showed good movement throughout