LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 06: Reiss Nelson of Arsenal scores his side's first goal past Illan Meslier of Leeds United during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal FC and Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on January 06, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Arsenal Vs Leeds United: Player ratings – Reiss Nelson to the rescue
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 06: Reiss Nelson of Arsenal scores his side’s first goal past Illan Meslier of Leeds United during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal FC and Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on January 06, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
On Monday night, Arsenal hosted Leeds United in the third round of the FA Cup. Here are the player ratings from the 1-0 victory.
Arsenal made it as hard as possible against Leeds United on Monday night, but after Reiss Nelson’s scruffy finish midway through the second half, the Gunners qualified for the fourth round of the FA Cup for the 23rd time in the last 24 years. Mikel Arteta named a strong team, resting only a handful of players, and after Leeds’ excellent first-half display, it was easy to see why he was so wary. In the end, the Gunners scrape out the victory, but it wasn’t all that deserved.
Find the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal Podcast here — Mikel Guardiola or Pep Arteta?
Here are the player ratings from the 1-0 win.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 06: Jack Harrison of Leeds United is closed down by Emiliano Martinez of Arsenal during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal FC and Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on January 06, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Goalkeeper
EMILIANO MARTINEZ
GK, Arsenal7.5
Made some very good saves in the first half to keep Arsenal in the game. His reaction claw from a Sokratis/Ezgjan Alioski header was superb. His passing was problematic, which should be noted, but his goalkeeping was excellent.
Arsenal made it as hard as possible against Leeds United on Monday night, but after Reiss Nelson’s scruffy finish midway through the second half, the Gunners qualified for the fourth round of the FA Cup for the 23rd time in the last 24 years. Mikel Arteta named a strong team, resting only a handful of players, and after Leeds’ excellent first-half display, it was easy to see why he was so wary. In the end, the Gunners scrape out the victory, but it wasn’t all that deserved.</p>
<h2><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-rescue/"https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/pain-in-the-arsenal-podcast-on-arsenal-fc/id1314514440?ign-mpt=uo%3D4%26amp%3Buo%3D4&mt=2%22>Find the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal Podcast here — Mikel Guardiola or Pep Arteta?</a></h2>
<p>Here are the player ratings from<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-rescue/"https://www.whoscored.com/Matches/1434421/Live/England-FA-Cup-2019-2020-Arsenal-Leeds"> the 1-0 win</a>.</p>
<div id="attachment_97302" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-97302" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-rescue/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1197920764-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 06: Jack Harrison of Leeds United is closed down by Emiliano Martinez of Arsenal during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal FC and Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on January 06, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h4>Goalkeeper</h4>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="7.5" data-name="EMILIANO MARTINEZ" data-meta-a="GK" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="Made some very good saves in the first half to keep Arsenal in the game. His reaction claw from a Sokratis/Ezgjan Alioski header was superb. His passing was problematic, which should be noted, but his goalkeeping was excellent."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-rescue/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FMartinez_1045x658_0.jpg%3Fitok%3DgmaU0aQO"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">EMILIANO MARTINEZ</h3> <span class="position">GK,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">7.5</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">Made some very good saves in the first half to keep Arsenal in the game. His reaction claw from a Sokratis/Ezgjan Alioski header was superb. His passing was problematic, which should be noted, but his goalkeeping was excellent.</div> </div>
</div>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-rescue/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Centre-Backs </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_97294" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-97294" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-rescue/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1197922439-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 06: David Luiz of Arsenal takes the ball forward during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal FC and Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on January 06, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h4>Centre-Backs</h4>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="6.5" data-name="DAVID LUIZ" data-meta-a="CB" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="Very good in the second half, ensuring that Arsenal played with a higher line to more effectively press Leeds as a compact, connected unit. He did the opposite in the first half, which was a major issue under Unai Emery. His passing was not quite as effective, though that has more to the movement ahead of him, but his defending against the counter-attack after the break was very solid."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-rescue/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FDL_Website_profiles_1045x658_v2.jpg%3Fitok%3DqvVlzxz8"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">DAVID LUIZ</h3> <span class="position">CB,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">6.5</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">Very good in the second half, ensuring that Arsenal played with a higher line to more effectively press Leeds as a compact, connected unit. He did the opposite in the first half, which was a major issue under Unai Emery. His passing was not quite as effective, though that has more to the movement ahead of him, but his defending against the counter-attack after the break was very solid.</div> </div>
</div>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="6.0" data-name="ROB HOLDING" data-meta-a="CB" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="Looked very shaky in the first 10 minutes or so, although he was offered few options to pass to by those ahead of him. But for all his problems in possession, he was excellent defensively. Almost always well positioned, won headers, and dealt with the Leeds threat soundly."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-rescue/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FHolding_1045x658_0.jpg%3Fitok%3D_EmU7PDN"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">ROB HOLDING</h3> <span class="position">CB,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">6.0</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">Looked very shaky in the first 10 minutes or so, although he was offered few options to pass to by those ahead of him. But for all his problems in possession, he was excellent defensively. Almost always well positioned, won headers, and dealt with the Leeds threat soundly.</div> </div>
</div>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-rescue/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Full-Backs </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_97295" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-97295" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-rescue/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1197920710-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 06: Jack Harrison of Leeds United battles for the ball with Sead Kolasinac of Arsenal during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal FC and Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on January 06, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h4>Full-Backs</h4>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="4.0" data-name="SOKRATIS " data-meta-a="RB" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="As everyone was acutely aware of beforehand, Sokratis is not a right-back. This performance only served to prove that fact. Never looked comfortable when receiving the ball, struggles to play line-breaking passes and progress the play, and was exposed defensively in space against Ezgjan Alioski. A little harsh to downgrade him too much given that he is out of position, but this was not Sokratis’ best."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-rescue/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FSokratis_1045x658_0.jpg%3Fitok%3D97aQxOIY"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">SOKRATIS </h3> <span class="position">RB,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">4.0</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">As everyone was acutely aware of beforehand, Sokratis is not a right-back. This performance only served to prove that fact. Never looked comfortable when receiving the ball, struggles to play line-breaking passes and progress the play, and was exposed defensively in space against Ezgjan Alioski. A little harsh to downgrade him too much given that he is out of position, but this was not Sokratis’ best.</div> </div>
</div>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="3.0" data-name="SEAD KOLASINAC" data-meta-a="LB" data-meta-b="" data-inner-content="This was his crucial weaknesses on full display: struggles when pressed, his passing is wayward and inaccurate, lacks defensive instincts, is slow in short spaces and is exposed when defending one-on-ones in space. Like many of his teammates, this was Kolasinac at his worst. When is Kieran Tierney back?"> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-rescue/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FKolasinac_1045x658_0.jpg%3Fitok%3Dp9Au6D7o"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">SEAD KOLASINAC</h3> <span class="position">LB,</span> <span class="team"></span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">3.0</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">This was his crucial weaknesses on full display: struggles when pressed, his passing is wayward and inaccurate, lacks defensive instincts, is slow in short spaces and is exposed when defending one-on-ones in space. Like many of his teammates, this was Kolasinac at his worst. When is Kieran Tierney back?</div> </div>
</div>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-rescue/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Central Midfield </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_97296" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-97296" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-rescue/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1197919497-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 06: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal controls the ball during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal FC and Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on January 06, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h4>Central Midfield</h4>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="3.0" data-name="GRANIT XHAKA" data-meta-a="CM" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="He quite simply is not good enough. His tackling was awful, somehow avoiding a yellow card throughout, his movement was even poorer, slow to cover the ground defensively and unable to find space when progressing play, and his passing was rubbish, too. This was Xhaka at his absolute worst."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-rescue/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FXhaka_1045x658_0.jpg%3Fitok%3D4RdnaWrD"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">GRANIT XHAKA</h3> <span class="position">CM,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">3.0</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">He quite simply is not good enough. His tackling was awful, somehow avoiding a yellow card throughout, his movement was even poorer, slow to cover the ground defensively and unable to find space when progressing play, and his passing was rubbish, too. This was Xhaka at his absolute worst.</div> </div>
</div>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="6.5" data-name="MATTEO GUENDOUZI" data-meta-a="CM" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="A game of two halves? Like his midfield mate Xhaka, Guendouzi struggled mightily in the first half, chasing after the ball, offering no options in possession, and finding himself consistently half-a-yard off the pace. Then he returned to his old self in the second half. Charging into tackles, rampaging around the pitch, driving forwards with the ball, dictating play with a beautiful range of passing. All in all, an average rating."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-rescue/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FGuendouzi_1045x658_0.jpg%3Fitok%3DluRYFlKj"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">MATTEO GUENDOUZI</h3> <span class="position">CM,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">6.5</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">A game of two halves? Like his midfield mate Xhaka, Guendouzi struggled mightily in the first half, chasing after the ball, offering no options in possession, and finding himself consistently half-a-yard off the pace. Then he returned to his old self in the second half. Charging into tackles, rampaging around the pitch, driving forwards with the ball, dictating play with a beautiful range of passing. All in all, an average rating.</div> </div>
</div>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="6.0" data-name="MESUT OZIL" data-meta-a="CAM" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="Very quiet in the first half with fewer touches than any other player on the pitch, although the service was not great into him. Improved in the second half significantly and started to pull the strings, as well as improving his work-rate. Taken off relatively early, hopefully with some rest in mind."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-rescue/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FOzil_1045x658_0.jpg%3Fitok%3D6Y1DQ1Q_"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">MESUT OZIL</h3> <span class="position">CAM,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">6.0</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">Very quiet in the first half with fewer touches than any other player on the pitch, although the service was not great into him. Improved in the second half significantly and started to pull the strings, as well as improving his work-rate. Taken off relatively early, hopefully with some rest in mind.</div> </div>
</div>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-rescue/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Front Three </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_97299" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-97299" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-rescue/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1197929019-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 06: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal stretches to control the ball under pressure from Gaetano Berardi of Leeds United during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal FC and Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on January 06, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h4>Front Three</h4>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="6.0" data-name="NICOLAS PEPE" data-meta-a="RW" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="Struggled to get into the game with little service from deep, did not work especially hard. Then he produced the crucial driving run in the build-up to the goal, beating a couple of defenders and driving into open space. This is the Pepe conundrum: quiet, not the hardest working, but capable of inspirational, rare moments. In the end, he was fine, the good mostly cancelling out the bad, but Arteta will want more consistency and commitment in the future."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-rescue/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FPepe_profile_1045x658.jpg%3Fitok%3DM5x_CZ9Y"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">NICOLAS PEPE</h3> <span class="position">RW,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">6.0</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">Struggled to get into the game with little service from deep, did not work especially hard. Then he produced the crucial driving run in the build-up to the goal, beating a couple of defenders and driving into open space. This is the Pepe conundrum: quiet, not the hardest working, but capable of inspirational, rare moments. In the end, he was fine, the good mostly cancelling out the bad, but Arteta will want more consistency and commitment in the future.</div> </div>
</div>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="7.5" data-name="REISS NELSON" data-meta-a="LW" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="MAN OF THE MATCH: The brightest spark in a rather dull performance. Even in the difficult first half, Nelson was the most lively. Dribbled sharply and directly, ran in behind, was composed when receiving the ball under pressure, and just needed a clinical end product to round out his performance. He continued in the same vein after the break, bundling in the opener with a scruffy finish. A very encouraging performance."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-rescue/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FNELSON_1045x658.jpg%3Fitok%3DM8WzpSd0"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">REISS NELSON</h3> <span class="position">LW,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">7.5</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">MAN OF THE MATCH: The brightest spark in a rather dull performance. Even in the difficult first half, Nelson was the most lively. Dribbled sharply and directly, ran in behind, was composed when receiving the ball under pressure, and just needed a clinical end product to round out his performance. He continued in the same vein after the break, bundling in the opener with a scruffy finish. A very encouraging performance.</div> </div>
</div>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="7.0" data-name="ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE" data-meta-a="ST" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="Isolated in the first half, struggling to hold up the ball and pressing aimlessly as his teammates sat too deep behind him. Superb in the second half, holding off defenders to protect the ball, assisting Reiss Nelson for the only goal of the game, and working tirelessly defensively too. Still needs confidence in front of goal, squandering a couple of openings, but his all-around play is excellent."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-rescue/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FLacazette_1045x658_0.jpg%3Fitok%3DWucaQRNh"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE</h3> <span class="position">ST,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">7.0</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">Isolated in the first half, struggling to hold up the ball and pressing aimlessly as his teammates sat too deep behind him. Superb in the second half, holding off defenders to protect the ball, assisting Reiss Nelson for the only goal of the game, and working tirelessly defensively too. Still needs confidence in front of goal, squandering a couple of openings, but his all-around play is excellent.</div> </div>
</div>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-rescue/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Substitutes </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—></p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
<div id="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-position="slideshow_inline" data-slot="inline_97287" style="width:300px;margin: 0 auto;">
<script>
googletag.cmd.push(function () {
googletag.defineSlot("/175840252/fansided.com/PainintheArsenal/mpu",[300, 250], "minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet")
.addService(googletag.pubads());
googletag.enableServices();
googletag.display("minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet");
});
</script>
</div>
</div> </div> </div> <hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_97301" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-97301" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-rescue/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1197930998-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 06: Luke Ayling of Leeds United holds off Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal FC and Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on January 06, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h4>Substitutes</h4>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="7.5" data-name="GABRIEL MARTINELLI" data-meta-a="SUB" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="Excellent. A livewire in and out of possession, sharp dribbling to wriggle past defenders, always dangerous, and helps instigate the high press that Mikel Arteta demands. Terrific to have him back in the fold."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-rescue/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FMartinelli_1045x658.jpg%3Fitok%3Dvb61jRmB"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">GABRIEL MARTINELLI</h3> <span class="position">SUB,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">7.5</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">Excellent. A livewire in and out of possession, sharp dribbling to wriggle past defenders, always dangerous, and helps instigate the high press that Mikel Arteta demands. Terrific to have him back in the fold.</div> </div>
</div>
<p><em>There are no ratings for Joe Willock or Bukayo Saka.</em></p><!—pageview_candidate—>">
