Arsenal Vs Ludogorets: Player Ratings

Arsenal eventually beat Ludogorets 3-2 on Tuesday night in the Champions League. Here are all the player ratings, including a spectacular Mesut Ozil.

That was far harder than expected but nonetheless pleasing. While the 6-0 demolition in the first leg was a wonderful performance from Arsenal, the grit and determination showed in this victory was equally as uplifting, especially considering that is a particular weakness of this side in recent seasons.

A win is a win as they say, and that is exactly what occurred here. Here are all the player ratings.

DAVID OSPINA

GK, Arsenal

7.7

Wasn’t at fault for either of the goals and when called into action, did his job well. Distribution was good once again and made a couple of lovely and important saves from Wanderson in the second half. Still don’t like the rotation, though,

CARL JENKINSON

RB, Arsenal

7.2

Was good going forward and did not have much to do defensively. Tidy and solid without being spectacular and is now excellent depth behind Hector Bellerin.

SHKODRAN MUSTAFI

CB, Arsenal

5.7

Was arguably at fault for both goals. For the first, allowed the ball all the way to the back post, rather than stepping forward and meeting it in the air. Didn’t follow Keseru for the second goal to the front post and ended up marking nobody. A rare blip for the German,

LAURENT KOSCIELNY

CB, Arsenal

6.8

Better than his partner and wasn’t directly at fault for either goal, but wasn’t a solution to the problem either. Better in the second half though and will continue to lead what has been a good defence so far this season.

KIERAN GIBBS

LB, Arsenal

5.9

Skinned for the first goal by Jonathan Cafu and lost the ball more than a couple of times going forward. His challenge to Nacho Monreal is perhaps fading but I still would rather have him than the Spaniard.

GRANIT XHAKA

CM, Arsenal

7.3

Scored the crucial first goal for the Gunners, passing was as good as ever and controlled the game well in the second half. However, must be far more careful without the ball, and was ultimately subbed off when in danger of seeing red.

FRANCIS COQUELIN

CM, Arsenal

7.0

Tidy in possession, excellent defensively once more, especially in the second half, but limits the creativity of the team without Santi Cazorla alongside him. Still very underrated within the fanbase, though.

AARON RAMSEY

RM, Arsenal

6.8

Nice to see him back in the starting lineup after returning from injury. Wonderful cross for Olivier Giroud’s header but is definitely not a winger, however much Wenger may play him there.

ALEXIS SANCHEZ

LM, Arsenal

7.0

Moved wide for the first time this season and looked far less dangerous than as a striker. Still his industrious self, direct with the ball, committing defenders and causing problems, but the side as a whole looks better with the Chilean as a centre-forward, not a winger.

MESUT OZIL

CAM, Arsenal

8.8

MAN OF THE MATCH: What a wonderful winning goal from Mesut Ozil. Was back to his probing his best throughout the 90 minutes, though, and topped off an excellent performance with the best goal of the season for the Gunners so far.

OLIVIER GIROUD

ST, Arsenal

8.1

Provided a much-needed physical presence in attacking areas, scored another goal with a towering header but certainly limits the fluidity of the side. Sanchez is the better option but Giroud still has his uses.

ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN

SUB, Arsenal

7.3

Came on late in the game, provided an injection of pace and direct play but lacked the necessary quality in the final third. Still a great option to have off the bench, though.

MOHAMED ELNENY