Arsenal player ratings vs Leeds: Four 8/10’s as summer signing steps up and wildcard proves vital to attack
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Bruno Guimaraes came off the bench to score again as Arsenal turned things around to beat Leeds 2-1 in north London.
James Justin had given the visitors the lead just after half-time and the Gunners looked rattled, well off the pace in the first match back after an extended three-week international break.
However, the resposne was impressive. Riccardo Calafiori equalised and Guimaraes, as he did against Sunderland earlier this season, drilled in a superb finish to make the difference.
Matt Verri was at the Emirates to rate the Arsenal players….
Top saves to keep out Gudmundsson and Tanaka. Good balance to stop a header crossing the line, too, and his distribution was a real weapon. Cross for Leeds’ goal was too good for him to cut out.
Offside twice in the early stages, with the timing of his runs not quite there. Combinations with Saka and Odegaard were not as sharp as usual. But big contribution when nodding across goal to set up Calafiori goal with his final touch.
Dominant performance, even more impressive considering he was an injury doubt. Stood up to Calvert-Lewin physically and was also really assured in possession. Became tougher after the break but he dealt well with that.
Valiant effort to keep Justin’s strike out on the line. Not as composed as Konsa alongside him and there were a couple of really slack moments with the ball at his feet.
Arsenal’s wildcard at left-back. Galloped forward and created opportunities for Madueke and Saka, and then of course it was him poaching in the six-yard box to equalise. Vital to this attack.
Riccardo Calafiori equalised for ArsenalGettyDeclan Rice 6
Did not look better for a three-week break. Unusually sloppy on the ball and did not cover the ground as well, including for Leeds’ goal. However, it was a brilliant flicked assist for Guimaraes’ goal as his legs seemingly returned in the final 30 minutes.
Completed 94% of his passes but that didn’t feel like a positive – too often it was too safe. Used his body well as ever and drew fouls, but his influence was limited.
Really frustrating. Not enough conviction in taking on his man and wasted a dangerous counter when underhitting a pass through to Madueke. Involved in the lovely move for the winner but fluffed his lines when clean through with the final kick of the match.
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Poor in the first half, as most around him were. Decision-making and execution was miles off where it has been this season. Grew into the match and clicked into gear when linking play for Guimaraes’ winner.
Justified Arteta’s faith in him. Comfortable on the left and could have had a couple of assists for Odegaard and Havertz. His cross led to the equaliser and he was a constant threat out wide. Encouraging display.
Left-wing audition: Noni MaduekeGettyKai Havertz 4
Looked like a mistake to start him. Never seemed to be at full pelt after his hamstring issue over the international break. Kept being caught offside and the constant drifting out wide didn’t help Arsenal. Well off the pace.
Big boost for Arsenal to have both right-backs fit. Tried to do too much on the ball deep in Arsenal’s half on one occasion, but got away with it.
Great clearance int he six-yard box late on to stop Leeds having the chance to equalise.
Played like he had a point to prove after not starting. Raised the intensity and speed of Arsenal’s play. Always looked for the positive option and then finished exceptionally from the edge of the area.
Worked hard up front and had one nice driving run. Did not hold the ball up very well and then should have done more after beating Trafford to a long ball.
Reported by standard.co.uk.
Read Original Report at standard.co.uk ↗
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