ARSENAL booked their place in the FA Cup final with a shock 2-0 win over holders Manchester City. The Gunners put in a fine defensive performance to punish City on the counter-attack at Wembley. But who was Arsenal’s best man in the stunning victory? And did anyone have a shocker at the home of football? […]
ARSENAL booked their place in the FA Cup final with a shock 2-0 win over holders Manchester City.
The Gunners put in a fine defensive performance to punish City on the counter-attack at Wembley.
But who was Arsenal’s best man in the stunning victory?
And did anyone have a shocker at the home of football?
SunSport’s Anthony Chapman delivers his Gunners playing ratings…
EMILIANO MARTINEZ – 8
Goalie held his own yet again and made a number of good stops.
Looked typically composed between the sticks as City turned the heat up and has done an admirable job for Gunners so far.
SHKODRAN MUSTAFI – 7
Shaky start which almost gifted goal to Raheem Sterling.
Was lucky to escape a red card for foul on David Silva but pulled it round to remain solid.
DAVID LUIZ – 8
Brazilian started in his favoured position and kept a close check on Gabriel Jesus.
Made a couple of decent long passes to ease pressure on team-mates holding the fort and made some brilliant interceptions.
KIERAN TIERNEY – 7
Did his defensive duties well against a hungry City forward line and bagged an assist for the second goal with a clever pass.
Occasionally caught out of position but was helped by presence of Maitland-Niles.
HECTOR BELLERIN – 7
Some dodgy passes really put his team under pressure.
But worked hard and was big vocal presence for Arsenal.
DANI CEBALLOS – 6
Not the game for the playmaker as he failed to make an impact on the ball.
Went missing at times but worked hard off the ball to support his defenders.
GRANIT XHAKA – 8
Remained deep in support of Arsenal’s back three and made a number of good clearances and tackles.
Was equally impressive going forward too, helping to contain Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva.
AINSLEY MAITLAND-NILES – 7
Responded positively to Arteta’s constant instructions as he supported Tierney against Riyad Mahrez.
Was crucial to Arsenal’s shape in transition and should take heart from performance.
NICOLAS PEPE – 8
Delivered glorious cross for Aubameyang’s opener.
Unrelenting down the right and kept Aymeric Laporte on his toes and played a crucial role in the second goal.
ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE – 7
Was unlucky to have a goal ruled offside early on.
Dropped deep to help team out in the middle and gave City plenty to think about.
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG – 9
Fluffed chance to put Arsenal ahead early in first-half but made up for it with a clever finish moments later to leave City reeling
Second was another fine effort and Aubameyang’s clinical finishing made the difference tonight.
SUBS: Willock – 6, Torreira – 6, Holding – N/A, Kolasinac – N/A
