• Sat. Dec 7th, 2024

    Arsenal player rating performance: Jakub Kiwior struggles but Fabio Vieira shines in Sporting CP draw

    Mikel Arteta’s side got off to a flying start and took the lead through a William Saliba header, but goals either side from Goncalo Inacio and Paulinho gave Sporting a well-deserved lead.

    However, Arsenal responded well and conceded a vital equalizer ahead of next week’s second leg when Granit Xhaka’s pass rebounded off Hidemasa Morita and crept into the corner.

    Goalkeeper and Defense

    Matt Turner (5/10):

    He seemed nervous all night. He made some good saves but was obviously very rusty.

    Ben White (6/10):

    I was joined in position a couple of times as Sporting appeared to come in from their left.

    Guillaume Saliba (8/10):

    Rose good to open the scoring. Arsenal’s best defender that night.

    Jacob Kiwior (5/10):

    Really bad for the first goal. Should have walked the ball even when Turner called.

    Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10):

    His movement caused Sporting problems and he made some great passes. Sometimes careless in possession.

    Midfielder

    Jorgenho (6/10):

    His lack of pace was noticeable at times, but he moved the ball well when in possession.

    Xhaka Granite (6/10):

    Close to scoring when his header was stopped on the line. His pass went into his own goal.

    Fabio Vieira (8/10):

    Always lively. Good performance for the first goal. Always a threat.

    offensive

    Bukayo Saka (5/10):

    Couldn’t get into the game properly but played a part in the second goal.

    Gabriel Martinelli (6/10):

    Never stopped working. So close to a superb individual destination. Nelson Trip (5/10):

    Never really in the game. Not a repeat of his Saturday heroics.

    Subs and managers

    Takehiro Tomiyasu (7/10):

    A delicious nutmeg was the highlight of him. Nice cameo.

    Emily Smith Rowe (5/10):

    Never really involved. Thomas Partey (5/10):

    I couldn’t tell the difference.

    Gabriel Magalhaes (6/10):

    Immediately strengthened the defense.

    Michele Arteta (6/10):

    He has made six changes, but will still be disappointed with the performance.

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