(GK) Wojciech Szczesny, 6 -- The Polish keeper made a decent first-half save to deny Sacha Kljestan. In the latter stages, he was left badly exposed by the teams diabolical defending. (DF) Calum Chambers, 6 -- Chambers is a defender of enormous promise. One only hopes he will be able to fulfill his potential on such a disorganised team. (DF) Per Mertesacker, 5 -- The giant German will be disappointed to have allowed Aleksandar Mitrovic to get across him to head the equalising goal, especially having committed a similar error against Hull a couple of weeks back. He looks decidedly uncomfortable without his preferred partner, Laurent Koscielny, alongside him. (DF) Nacho Monreal, 5 -- Monreal showed his naivete at centre-back when his clumsy challenge allowed Mitrovic to win a penalty. Arsene Wenger may wonder whether Arsenal might have been able to see out the lead with a more experienced centre-half on the field. (DF) Kieran Gibbs, 6 -- Another energetic performance from Gibbs, who has been one of Arsenals more consistent players in 2013-14. (MF) Mikel Arteta, 7 -- The skipper was enjoying a strong performance before departing with injury. His tackling was tenacious and his passing typically astute, while his penalty was executed with admirable nonchalance. Once he went off, the Gunners lost control of the game. Arsenal never really recovered from losing their most experienced midfielder. (MF) Aaron Ramsey, 5 -- Ramsey is miles away from the form that made him Arsenals Player of the Season in 2013-14. In his attempts to regain his best, he looks a little overzealous. His energy is great, but in the middle of the park more composure is required. Ramsey needs to take his game back to basics. (MF) Santi Cazorla, 5 -- It was something of a surprise to see Cazorla last the full 90 minutes, given that he was clearly out of gas after an hour or so. If Wenger opts to rotate over the coming weeks, the Spaniard is one player who could certainly do with a rest. (MF) Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 8 -- Oxlade-Chamberlain scored a superb goal to cap an excellent performance. His direct dribbling and bullish closing down were reminiscent of his teammate, Alexis Sanchez. ARSENAL LATEST - Brewin: Three Points -- Arsenal 3-3 Anderlecht - Sanchezs stellar form continues - Arsenal open contract talks with Theo Walcott - WATCH: Alexis the best in Premier League? - Alexis impact at Arsenal hailed by Arteta (FW) Alexis Sanchez, 8 -- The Chilean scored his customary goal and worked as hard as ever. His passing was not quite as incisive as it has been in recent games. However, he remains absolutely invaluable to this team. (FW) Danny Welbeck, 7 -- Welbeck won Arsenals penalty with a smart run and was generally a nuisance to the Anderlecht defence all night. When Arsenal withdrew him, they lost a physical presence up top and a threat on the break. Substitutes: (MF) Mathieu Flamini, 4 -- A defensive midfielder should bring calm and control to a team. In his current form, Flamini just brings chaos. (FW) Lukas Podolski, NR -- Not an obvious player to bring on when you are defending a narrow lead. Podolski was ostensibly playing as a left winger, and it was notable that Anderlechts equaliser was created down that very flank. (MF) Tomas Rosicky, NR -- Rosicky barely made an impression on the game. That, unfortunately, is the story of his season thus far.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Nov 2014 05:08:09 +0000
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