[PLAYER RATINGS] Borussia Dortmund 1-1 Arsenal: How The Gunners Got On…

On Tuesday we saw a different avatar of the Arsenal team. A little more of George Graham then the tippy tappy, most certainly in the second half after we manage to shake of the nerves during the first 30 minutes. Dortmund I must say are a really impressive team and it was admirable the way they took the game to us and yet Arsenal held on and almost won the game.

Even though we conceded late you can’t do much about that goal except wonder if you could have scored like that in that time. I’m proud of our performance. Before it was not convincing and below what we expected, but now we have become better, and to be honest ‘are getting there’…

Match Ratings-

Schezer– Fantastic. A reliable presence between the sticks and a fabulous save in the dying minutes to keep us level. Could not do a thing about the goal and I doubt if any other keeper could. 9

Kosher– A torrid first half. If not for some woeful finishing by the Germans we would surely have been behind as he clearly let Kagawa through on goal, playing him on. Made up though in the second half with a performance which reminded me of the game at the Emirates against Barcelona. 6

Mertersacker– Clearly nervy on the ball, athough getting the basics right. Needs more time to adjust and we were playing an impressive side to be fair to him. 5.5

Sagna– Fantastic. Clearly deserves to be the best right back in the premier league .Kept things tidy at the back without Theo to help out and was always there when he needed to be to avert danger. 8

Gibbs– Not seeing much of an improvement in him defensively . Left too much space for the Germans to exploit. Someone needs to tell him to adjust to the situation and not just keep bombing forward. 5

Song-We all rate him highly and he showed exactly why. World Class is what he is . Snuffed out danger when required to you and kept running and running and taking the pressure of the defenders. Thank you for being back Alex. Just don’t stamp on anyone anymore. 8

Arteta– Won fouls to slow Dortmund ’s game down and took the pressure of the gunners. Looked comfortable with ball though he didn’t do much with it but clearly wasn’t hassled by the pressure of the German midfield. 6

Yossi– Not much of an attacking force but then again the Germans were excellent at hounding our players. He is new and it will take him time but clearly put in his defensive shift. 6

Gervinho– He is like a fitter and quicker Diaby. Doesn’t pass when he needs to though I like his confidence to take on Players. He gives a more direct and aggressive approach and we need that. He certainly need to improve his decision making. Got two brilliant chances in each half and was unfortunate to trip in one of the occasions. 6.5

Theo– Was non-existent throughout the game and but gave a vital contribution in assisting Robin’s goal. Needs to work harder. 5

RVP– Made the goal by winning back possession with a brilliant tackle followed by a fabulous finish on his weaker foot. 7

Subs

Frimpong- NA

Chamakh-NA

Santos- NA Debut match.

Submitted by Armoury Square