London Football News

Sutton United v Arsenal player ratings

Arsenal came through a tougher than anticipated FA Cup fifth-round tie at National League side Sutton on Monday night, thanks to goals from Lucas Perez and Theo Walcott. Here’s how we rated the Gunners players at Gander Green Lane.

David Ospina: 6

Although he had little to do, he did not inspire confidence. A poor clearance late in the first half almost led to a Sutton equaliser and he flapped at a corner allowing Jamie Collins a header on goal.

Gabriel: 6

Another who failed to stand out despite the league gulf between the two sides. He was not at ease when Sutton’s mobile attackers were running at goal and couldn’t provide a threat going forward.

Shkrodan Mustafi: 7

The first World Cup winner to play at Gander Green Lane since Jack Charlton in 1970. He dealt with the aerial challenge posed by Sutton and came through what could have been a difficult night unscathed.

Rob Holding: 7

An otherwise composed performance was spoiled by a couple of nervy errors which on another occasion might have presented chances to Sutton. Will mature into a very good centre-back though.

Nacho Monreal: 7

A mixed bag. Defensively awkward against the pace of Roarie Deacon and the trickery of Bedsente Gomis, though he did produce an excellent clearing header at the far post. Was better going forward, sliding the ball across for Theo Walcott’s goal.

Mohamed Elneny: 6

Had the game’s first shot, but it was well over the bar. Was treated in the first half and did not emerge again after the break.

Granit Xhaka: 7

It took only 24 minutes for him to pick up a yellow card, for a daft tug back, but he stayed in the referee’s good books after that and was the best player in a congested midfield, one of the few to look like he always had more time than his National League opponents.

Lucas Perez: 7

His goal may have just been a drilled cross, and the only one of his three efforts to hit the target, but without it, Arsenal may have had an even more uncomfortable night. Has now been directly involved in nine goals in his last eight starts for Arsenal in all competitions (six goals, three assists).

Jeff Reine-Adelaide: 6

The French youngster was tidy enough but physically outgunned by Sutton and made way after 73 minutes.

Alex Iwobi: 6

Showed signs of being jaded, with this match coming five days after an equally indifferent display against Bayern Munich. He’ll remember his trip to Gander Green Lane for being marmalised in a strong, but fair, challenge by U’s skipper Jamie Collins.

Theo Walcott: 8

His poacher’s finish not only settled the match but it was also his 100th goal in an Arsenal shirt. However, his contribution to the first – as he drifted in front of the unsighted goalkeeper Ross Worner – should not go overlooked.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 7

Added a missing spark in the second half and posed constant questions of the Sutton defence without ever providing the killer ball.




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