Robin Roefs: 8/10
I don’t think Roefs can be blamed for the first goal even though it was at his near post, it was really well hit and had a great shape on the shot. Absolutely no chance with the rocket of a second. Played
well all game, was brave when coming for the ball and his distribution was good considering the pressure he was often under.
Trai Hume: 8/10
Had a steady game on the right, did a good job on Trossard and Caliafiori for much of the game. Put a peach of a cross in for Reinildo late on and it was from his ball that the equaliser came.
Nordi Mukiele: 8/10
Another rock solid performance at the back, didn’t let anyone get past him and dominant in the air. Long throws were dangerous all evening.
Dan Ballard: 10/10
Clearly wanted to prove a point against his old club, put in an unbelievable performance at both ends of the pitch.
Lutsharel Geertruida: 8/10
One of a few guilty of some sloppy play in our own half after the break, got away with his though and was really good the rest of the game. Really good at putting Arsenal attackers under pressure and very calm in possession, other than that blip.
Reinildo: 9/10
Shut down Saka for the entire game and although the Arsenal captain ended up scoring, it was no coincidence that it came following an error and Reinildo not back there to help.
Granit Xhaka (C): 9/10
Another captain’s performance, covered every blade of grass once again and just didn’t give the ball away.
Noah Sadiki: 8/10
Was everywhere to shore up the defence or to help out in attack, drove us up the pitch and always seemed to be on hand when Arsenal had the ball. A bit sloppy for the second Arsenal goal, telling Hume to watch the runner but then also doing that himself. A good game though.
Bertrand Traore: 6/10
Mostly a defensive effort but slipped over when in a good position in the first half but made up for that later in the half when he picked out Ballard for the opening goal.
Enzo Le Fee: 6/10
Was working really hard for the team, covering loads of ground and retaining possession well but mishit a corner just before the error that handed the visitors their equaliser.
Wilson Isidor: 7/10
A really honest effort up top, worked selflessly for the team and had a few opportunities to trouble the Arsenal defence. Had a couple of half chances on goal, the best of which was when he span in behind and arrowed a shot wide.
Substitutes
Brian Brobbey: 7/10
Caused problems as soon as he came on with his strength and had a few half chances before finally getting a deserved goal with an acrobatic finish.
Simon Adingra: 6/10
Took too long to clear the ball not long before Arsenal scored their second, which gave it back to the visitors, but was dangerous when he got the ball at the other end.
Chemsdine Talbi: 6/10
Used the ball well when he came on and cut inside to good effect.
Eliezer Mayenda: 6/10
Thrown on late on as we went in search for an equaliser.
Man of the Match: Dan Ballard
A monumental team performance but the man of the match can only be Dan Ballard. Was an absolute rock at the back all evening, including a game saving block right at the death but he was also a massive danger to the best defence in Europe at the other end, taking his first goal brilliantly and then flicking the ball on to get an assist for Brobbey’s late equaliser.
