Arsenal vs Lazio Civilized Player ratings

 

FULL-TIME RESULT: Arsenal 2-0 Lazio…
Reiss Nelson and Aubameyang both scored to give the gunners an easy victory over the Serie A side.
Lucas Torreira and Lichtsteiner both made their non-competitive debut for Arsenal and gave a good account of themselves albeit unspectacular.

Here are the ratings…

Bernd Leno  – 7/10

Didn’t really have a save to make. Beaten by Luis Alberto’s lob, but it clipped the crossbar.

Stephan Lichtsteiner – 7/10

A no-nonsense display from the veteran Swede. Will be an asset going forward.

Calum Chambers – 5.5/10

Started the move for Nelson’s goal with a nice pass into midfield. Steady, although looked a bit nervy in the closing stages of the first half as Lazio threatened.

Rob Holding – 6/10

Had a mixed game. Made one excellent headed clearance and got Xhaka out of trouble with an excellent challenge. But also gave the ball away cheaply, allowing Alberto to hit the bar. Received a booking

Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 8/10

Played at left back. Always assured in possession, tireless and contributes at both ends of the field. And that he did again in this game. Very useful considering Monreal and Kolasinac are both injured at the moment.

Lucas Torreira – 6/10

Still building his fitness levels.

Alex Iwobi was impressive for Arsenal.

Granit Xhaka – 5/10

Looked a bit off the pace at times which is understandable. One poor bit of play gave Lazio a chance, but Holding cleared the danger. Sent one shot just over.

Alex Iwobi – 8.5/10

I think he was the most lively performer all evening. Gave the Lazio defence loads of problems with his direct approach.

Reiss Nelson – 7/10

Really bright. Caused Lazio problems from the start with his direct running. Scored the opening goal, showing good instinct to follow in Iwobi’s shot.

Eddie Nketiah – 5.5/10

Started the game alongside Lacazette in a 4-4-2 formation. Made one notable run but missed the chance.

Alexandre Lacazette – 5.5/10

Showed excellent technique to get a volley away from Lichtsteiner’s pass. On the fringes of things apart from that.

Substitutes

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 8.5/10

Eternally electric, he gave Arsenal a real threat when he came on. Took his goal well, albeit with a deflection. Saw another fierce shot saved.

Matteo Guendouzi – 7/10

Came on to provide a very confident and controlling display. This guy has the potential to be world class in my opinion. His style dictates the pace of the game, and he can receive a pass anywhere in the field fearlessly… and boy can he pass them too.

Reiss Nelson and Lucas Torreira in action.

Hector Bellerin – 5.5/10

Decent half an hour. Was kept busy down his flank and stood up to the challenge well.

Mesut Ozil – 6/10

Didn’t contribute much after he came on.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6.5/10

Had one half chance but his shot was blocked. Played in a slightly deeper role and was heavily involved. Saw one effort saved.

Mohamed Elneny – 6/10

Kept the ball moving in midfield, but once again was overshadowed by Guendouzi. Saw one effort from distance saved.

Emile Smith Rowe – 6/10

Young and Bright. Produced one excellent piece of play with Aubameyang, but couldn’t quite get his shot away.

Why you should love this world cup!

Russia’s edition of the word cup has already given us memorable moments.

From Ronaldo’s stunning last minute free-kick against Spain, to Musa’s dazzling exploits for Nigeria against Iceland, one can gather that there is surely more thrills to come in the knockout phases.

Highlights…

Portugal vs Spain: 

Spain dominated the game with precision passing in midfield and demonstrated their supreme technique, but fell short due to a lack of killer instinct. This was weird given the fact that they had in Diego Costa, a striker who is known for said killer instincts. He was hauled off with 13 minutes to go and Portugal who kept their cool and remained hopeful, found a way back via an excellent free kick from Ronaldo in the 88th minute. It ended 3-3. p.s- Ronaldo scored all 3 goals for Portugal. Spain and Portugal are through to the next round with Spain topping the group on goal difference.

Group of death…

That would be group D according to me, and so far it has lived up to its biling with all of Nigeria, Argentina and Iceland still capable of qualification as the 3rd round of games quickly approach. Only one of these three teams can actually go through as Croatia have already qualified. I of course will be rooting for my country Nigeria. We only need a draw against Argentina, and hope Iceland don’t trash Croatia by more than a 2 goal difference. Can’t leave without mentioning Musa’s exploits. He truly made easy work of Iceland in the end. shaku shaku issa goal.

Other worthy mentions…

Brazil- Have flattered to deceive.

Germany- could have lost to Sweden and exited the world cup, but showed mental strength in coming back from behind to win that game. Should beat Korea easily and secure qualification.

Belgium- Have been pretty solid so far. Keep an eye on them.

England- media hype has started again until they lose to Belgium and realize that nothing has changed. Loftus-cheek is now their best player lol.

Messi- Another miserable international tournament for him. He was made for club football, or is it Barcelona football??? hmm…

 

7pm tonight is kick off time in Nigeria. We shall be watching Nigeria vs Argentina as a nation and hoping for the best. 

Thanks for reading my ramblings.