Although Arsenal lost to Sevilla in their final match, the Gunners retained their Emirates Cup title thanks to a rule that counted points based on the number of goals scored.
Though one may not judge a team from their preseason performances, Arsenal looked like they needed a little more inspiration.
The only positive from the game was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and the goal from new boy Alexandre Lacazette. Here are our player ratings from the encounter.
Petr Cech 6/10: Though the experienced keeper couldn’t have done anything about the first goal, the second goal was a soft one. It wasn’t really that bad a day for him, after all, it was only a preseason friendly.
Laurent Koscielny 6/10: The captain cannot be blamed for either of the goals. He had a midfielder in Elneny partnering him in defence for the first time and both of them lacked proper coordination.
Mohamed Elneny 5.5/10: Our Egyptian midfielder was drafted into the heart of the defence. The option did not go down too well for both the player and the team, as Elneny struggled to the opposition attack at bay.
Nacho Monreal 5.5/10: The Spanish defender will be worried about his place in the starting line-up after the acquisition of Kolasinac. He was not at his usual best but was decent going forward.
Hector Bellerin 5/10: The speed star couldn’t make an impact on the game and was struggling in defence. In attack, he was better and should have scored a goal.
Joe Willock 5.5/10: He battled tirelessly but the academy boy is still far from regular first team action and might need a loan spell at a decent club.
Aaron Ramsey 6.5/10: Same old Ramsey. He was all over the pitch, causing the opposition some real concern. He might be the surprise package for the Gunners this season if he stays fit.
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain 7.5/10: Undoubtedly the MOM. His blistering runs caused a lot of trouble for the opposition defence and once again proved why it is vital for the club to keep him. He was in control from start to finish.
Mesut Ozil 6/10: He was fine in the first half but struggled to make any sort of influence after the break. He lacked the cutting edge and the final ball was missing too.
Danny Welbeck 5.5/10: In a classical Welbeck style, the Englishman ran up and down the pitch tirelessly. His decisions were as rash as they used to be, but we can really do with the big guy distracting defenders and giving his teammates chances to score.
Alexandre Lacazette 6.5/10: He scored! That is not bad for an Emirates debut. He was starved at times but could take more part in the overall action.
Substitutes
Cohen Bramall 4/10: He was decent for his age and experience but a long way from influencing the outcome of the game.
Granit Xhaka 5/10: The Swiss international will get better this season. He brought calm to the troubled midfield once he was involved. Did not surge or lay those long passes. There was no rush though, as it was only a friendly.
Theo Walcott N/A.
Alex Iwobi N/A.
