Arsenal rounded off the Champions League group phase with yet another win to take their tally to the maximum 24 points available, becoming the first team to do so since the inception of the new format. The scoreline makes the game seem a lot more dramatic than it actually was as Arsenal never really looked in any danger all evening and were basically punished for two lapses in concentration on Kairat’s two attacks of the night!
A much changed Arsenal side came flying out of the blocks and took the lead inside the first couple of minutes with Viktor Gyokeres being played in through the middle by the returning Kai Havertz. Arsenal were immediately pegged back when another returning player, Riccardo Calafiori conceded a pretty daft VAR awarded penalty, which Jorginho dispatched and celebrated to the absolute fullest!!
It didn’t take long for Arsenal to snatch the lead back as Kai Havertz announced his return with a goal as well as an assist followed by ANOTHER assist for Gabriel Martinelli, to leave the score 3-1 at halt time.
The second half was a much duller affair and one in which Arsenal squandered several chances to extend their lead and the only real highlights of note were the debuts for Brando Bailey-Joseph and Ife Ibrahim, who were introduced late in the game.
Kairat snatched another consolation with the last kick (head) of the game, Ricardinho heading in at the back post, to send the Kairat fans wild, which, given that it doesn’t affect us one bit, was kind of nice, I guess. Here’s how the players rated:
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 6
A literal bystander. First goal was a penalty, no chance with that. Second goal, maybe he can come for the cross? Nah, I don’t think he can do anything about that one either. He gets a 6 for standing in between the posts all evening.
Ben White – 7
Decent performance for the Captain for the evening/first half. Completely untroubled defensively but he won quite a few balls high up the pitch to help us keep the pressure on. Some nice moments on the overlap, but Madueke overhit the passes more often than not.
Cristhian Mosquera – 7
Another really assured performance from the Spaniard. Calm, aggressive, read the game and stepped in to stop any Kairat attacks before they had even started. Such a great signing, nice to have him back.
Riccardo Calafiori – 6
Another one who it’s nice to see back. Got 45 minutes under his belt and they went by largely untested and as he was playing centre back this evening, there was less marauding than usual. Some nice passes and touches to keep possession under pressure. Gave away the penalty with a cynical shirt pull that was correctly picked up by VAR. It’s so nice to see him back, I’m not even going to knock off a mark for that!
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7
Another improved performance from Lewis-Skelly. Did get done one in a 1v1, but generally defended quite well and competed well in his duels. None of his trademark bustling runs through midfield although his passing was a lot more adventurous and he picked up some great positions on the overlap, including a lovely run and cross that Gyokeres somehow put over the bar. More like this please!
Christian Norgaard – 8
Felt like he was everywhere at times. Compete well, as usual, cut out everything in front of the back four and was also heavily involved in the attack, with some nice intricate play and some surprisingly adventurous passes. I say this every time I rate him, Norgaard needs to play more!!
Kai Havertz – 8 PLAYER OF THE MATCH
What an absolute pleasure it is to have the big German back in the team. You could see the difference in the team with Havertz in there from literally the first minute. Played in Gyokeres with a brilliant pass, took his goal with aplomb and then made a great run in the lead up to his second assist. Aside from all that, (and that’s pretty good for 45 minutes work!!) it’s just his overall play, how he brings others into the game and the timing and weight of his passes. He’s just class.
Eberechi Eze – 6
Didn’t quite come off for him tonight, but it wasn’t for lack of trying! Some amazing flicks and first time passing and combinations, it just wouldn’t quite fall for him to grab a goal or an assist, but this was much better from Eze. Maybe enough to start at the weekend?
Noni Madueke – 6
I’d class this performance as a Noni Madueke performance. Beat his man for fun, sometimes beating him twice, sometimes beating three players at once, with unbelievable balance, skill and improvisation. Despite all of that, I never once thought he was going to actually score a goal or lay one on for someone else! Some woeful passes and truly horrific shooting. What are we going to do with this guy?!
Viktor Gyokeres – 8
Much better from Gyokeres. Great early goal and in the first half he was unplayable at times. Bullying defenders, pushing them back with his running into the channels and his link-up with Havertz was a joy to behold. Wasn’t a perfect performance by any means, missed an absolute sitter from under the bar and had a few other wild efforts, but this was a good all round display. Might have played his way back into the starting lineup for Leeds at the weekend.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7
Quieter night than Madueke on the other side, but ultimately more effective. Had some bright moments including some excellent direct wing play and he linked well with both Gyokeres and Havertz at times. One lovely effort that sailed just over and was in the right place at the right home to tap home a third for the Gunners.
Subs:
Piero Hincapie – 5 – Looks really shaky on the ball and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better. No idea what he was doing in stoppage time as he left Ricardinho completely unmarked to head home Kairat’s second of the night.
Martin Odegaard – 5 – Still too safe in possession for my liking. Don’t get me wrong, he did play some nice through balls that didn’t quite come off, but there was also a lot of the sideways shuffling that we’ve come so used to seeing. Should have done better with two presentable headed chances.
Gabriel Jesus -5 – I didn’t even cheer when his ‘goal’ went in. I knew that would be offside. I genuinely don’t think he knows the rules. Missed a couple of other good chances in a frustrating cameo, one of which would probably have been offside anyway.
Brando Bailey-Joseph – 6 – Proud moment for Bailey-Joseph and his family as another Hale Ender makes the jump from the academy to make a first team appearance.
Ife Ibrahim – 6 – See above with Bailey-Joseph. Congratulations to both on a really special night in their young careers.
Final note – I know it was ‘only Kairat’ but that first half performance was so great to watch. Lot more direct with the passing with plenty of attempted ‘risky’ passes not quite coming off which I don’t mind at all. Much better than what we’ve seen in the past 3 Premier League games. Now it’s time to bring this sort of play into the league!