Arsenal player ratings vs Cardiff City: The partnership prevails
By Kian Long
RW: Mesut Ozil – 7/10
Mesut Ozil was really impressive today, especially in the second half. He is at his best when he’s given the license to play across the front line, and he did this against Cardiff. His balls forward were impressive, and he was a key figure to a lot of Arsenal’s attacking movements.
He also had impressive hold-up play, as he looked to use his footwork to beat the committed Cardiff defenders. He was always going to be a target, but he brushed off challenges all over the pitch.
ST: Alexandre Lacazette – 8.5/10
Lacazette was the most impressive player on the pitch for me. He headed into this match with a no-nonsense approach. It was his first start of the season, and you best believe he wasn’t going to let this one slip out of his reach.
He looked to pressurize the Cardiff defenders, and encourage his teammates forward. He got the assist for Aubameyang’s goal, as well as scoring the winner himself. It was at a difficult angle, but he fired home with ease. Incredible performance!
LW: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 8/10
Aubameyang looked rejuvenated today, and he obviously opened his account. It’s the first time that Aubameyang and Lacazette have started together under Unai Emery, and the partnership worked.
Auba was forced to play a little wider than he is accustomed to, but this didn’t force him to play out of character. He was a threat, and his bursts of pace worried the frail Welsh defense.