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Arsenal player ratings vs Manchester City: Mesut Ozil woes on opening day

By Kian Long

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal and Mesut Ozil of Arsenal look dejected after conceding a second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal and Mesut Ozil of Arsenal look dejected after conceding a second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Sergio Aguero of Manchester City chases down Matteo Guendouzi of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Sergio Aguero of Manchester City chases down Matteo Guendouzi of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Granit Xhaka – 5/10

I’m a big fan of Granit Xhaka, but I’ll be the first to admit today wasn’t his best game. He looked sloppy from the start, and he caused Arsenal a few times of panic. That said, he did play a few good balls forward and tried to gain an attacking rhythm for the Gunners, but it wasn’t to be.

He rightfully made way for Lucas Torreira late on, which could be a common theme now Arsenal have a packed midfield. Don’t be fooled though, Emery will eventually locate Xhaka’s strong points and the season will turn fruitful for him.

Matteo Guendouzi – 7/10

Guendouzi was the stand-out performer for me. The Frenchman was a positive figure in this Arsenal setup, and if you were to have any hope, it would be because of Guendouzi.

What I love most about Guendouzi is his willingness to show for the ball in times of need. There were a few instances were Petr Cech or the defenders were under pressure and he made himself available, often doing his best to convert panic into attack.

Aaron Ramsey – 5.5/10

It wasn’t Ramsey’s best performance, which is to be expected after picking up a knock in pre-season. He pushed forward a lot and left the midfield exposed, something he should have learned from against Liverpool away last season.

If any midfielder is to sit out against Chelsea, I think it should be Ramsey. The contract talks are beginning to get to his head it seems, and Arsenal fans will want to avoid this situation given the Alexis Sanchez saga last time out.

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