Arsenal player ratings vs Cardiff City: The partnership prevails
By Kian Long
CM: Matteo Guendouzi – 6.5/10
He didn’t really step a foot wrong, despite the unnecessary foul which is what caused him to be substituted. He always looked to drop deep and help with build-up play, which was always going to be important as nobody else was willing to complete this role.
He will hope to get a full ninety minutes next time out, but it will take a replication of his form from the opening two games against Manchester City and Chelsea.
CM: Granit Xhaka – 6.5/10
Don’t be fooled, he was nowhere near as bad as most people will probably make out. He made a mistake which led to Cardiff’s opener, but elsewhere in the match he was impressive. He looked to get the ball forward as much as possible, and of course, he picked up an assist.
He faces a hard time by the English media, and he’s only going to get bashed for his mistake today. I feel like this is unfair, particularly when many don’t counteract his negatives with his positives – which he showed more of today.
CM: Aaron Ramsey – 6/10
Ramsey was a threat, he always is. He looked to pick out the holes left by Cardiff’s frail defense, but the ball never quite fell to him.
It was always going to be weird for him, returning to the club who raised him. And despite him not having the impact he would have liked, he can travel back to North London with his head held high.