Arsenal began their season and Unai Emery’s reign as manager with a defeat, going down 2-0 at home to champions Manchester City. Here’s how we rated each Gunners player.
Petr Cech: 6
Culpable for Raheem Sterling’s goal and invited pressure by trying to play out from the back. Almost passed into his own net. Made amends with decent saves to deny Aymeric Laporte and Sergio Aguero.
Hector Bellerin: 5
Second best against Sterling, and City’s second goal came from Arsenal’s right flank.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos: 5
A forgettable debut. A cynical foul on Aguero resulted in a free-kick in a dangerous position which went unpunished.
Shkodran Mustafi: 5
It is almost considered a qualified success when the German defender does not make a mistake.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles: 5
Troubled by the pace of Riyad Mahrez and the overlapping Kyle Walker. Went off injured.
Matteo Guendouzi: 6
Showed promise on his debut. Will have been relieved Aguero did not punish his one big mistake.
Granit Xhaka: 5
Meant to add ballast in the Arsenal midfield, but City won the physical battle too. Booked, as usual.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: 5
Not an enjoyable day for Arsenal’s creative talents, starved of service.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 5
Fired well wide with his one clear chance.
Aaron Ramsey: 5
Quiet afternoon in attacking midfield. Had one meek effort on goal.
Mesut Ozil: 5
Remains an enigma. The Germany playmaker was unable to inspire the Gunners.
Stephan Lichtsteiner (for Maitland-Niles, 35 minutes): 6
The 34-year-old former Juventus man was deployed out of position but did OK.
Alexandre Lacazette (for Ramsey, 54): 6
Shot wide moments after his introduction.
Lucas Torreira (for Xhaka, 70): 6
Thrown on in trying circumstances and made little impact.
