Worrying Times Ratings v Wolves

By Matty Sadler
November 30 2020

A year to the day Unai Emery was sacked we were subjected to one of the most pathetic performances in recent time. Against Wolves, a side I watched weekly when they were in the Championship. Arsenal  were completely outclassed - physically, technically, mentally and tactically. 34 year old Moutinho made a mockery of our midfielders.

 It was only Wolves inviting pressure that allowed the Gunners to get on top and see more of the ball in the second half, and and even then were still cut open at will.

I fear this will just keep happening until most of these players have gone.

This is the club that sold most of its wingers over the course of a couple of windows and then let go of/ froze out all of our attacking/ creative midfielders over the course of a couple of windows, and then didn't do a great deal in the way of replacing them. This is the club that for years has decided against signing powerful players, in a "pace and power" era. We've got a number of players cobbled together under a number of different directors and managers, and it shows. There hasn't been enough of a long term plan.

Three straight home defeats and it is really difficult seeing us changing things with this group of players. Worrying times.

RATINGS

Leno - 5. Could he have done better on Wolves second goal? Maybe, although there was a deflection...

Bellerin - 3. One great block in the second half, but he's so slow, his crossing is still awful and he was poor on both goals. Average RB at best.
Luiz - 4. Didn't look right after that clash of heads. I don't know why he was allowed to continue.
Gabriel - 6. Great header for his goal. Maybe was lucky not to giveaway a penalty.
Tierney - 4. I'll always love his attitude but he had a tough time against Traore today.

Ceballos - 3. He looks a shadow of the guy who was our best outfield player after the restart. Very frustrating
Xhaka - 2. Didn't think it could get any worse after that Leeds performance? Slow, too deep, doesn't know where to stand or how to defend. Got span so easily by Traore for the second goal.

Willian - 5. Great cross for our goal. I'm surprised he went off as he was probably our best attacker.
Willock - 4. Really poor first half but second half was a little better. Spent most of the game out on the left...
Saka - 5. Got into some good position but didn't do much with it. Missed a good chance.

Aubameyang - 2. Every single player in the world has got a bad performance in them, but its the attitude. Seemed content to mope about and not try to get involved. Should've done better with his header.

Subs:

Holding - 4. Immediately struggled with Wolves' pace.
Nelson - 5. Lively without much to show for it. Skied a volley from close.
Lacazette - N/A. Not on long.

MORE RATINGS AND DISCUSSION HERE