Leandro Underwhelms: Arsenal Player Ratings vs Shakhtar
Arsenal's pre-season continued with a friendly against Shakhtar Donetsk, but it wasn't the most thrilling affair. While the Gunners emerged victorious, the performance wasn't exactly a masterclass. Let's dive into the player ratings and see who shone and who, well, didn't quite live up to expectations.
The Good, The Bad, and The Leandro
It's safe to say that Leandro Trossard was one of the most underwhelming players on the pitch. While his passing accuracy was alright, his creative spark was sorely missing. He didn't really make any key passes or create any dangerous chances.
On the other hand, we saw some really impressive performances from other players. Eddie Nketiah looked sharp and dangerous, scoring a goal and generally causing havoc in the Shakhtar defense. The youngster is definitely pushing for a starting spot this season.
A Closer Look at the Ratings
Here's a breakdown of the player ratings, focusing on the highs and lows:
Standout Performers:
- Eddie Nketiah: 8/10 - A goal and a strong performance overall. Nketiah is ready to make a statement this season.
- Bukayo Saka: 7.5/10 - Always a threat on the wing. His pace and skill made him a constant danger to Shakhtar.
- Gabriel Jesus: 7/10 - Linked up well with Nketiah, providing some great assists.
Underperforming:
- Leandro Trossard: 5/10 - A quiet game. He needs to find his rhythm and make more of an impact if he wants to be a regular starter.
- Granit Xhaka: 6/10 - Not his usual dominant self. He didn't control the midfield as effectively as we've come to expect.
The Rest:
- Aaron Ramsdale: 7/10 - Made some solid saves, but wasn't overly tested.
- William Saliba: 7/10 - Looked comfortable and composed at the back.
- Gabriel Magalhaes: 6.5/10 - Solid performance, but didn't stand out.
- Kieran Tierney: 6/10 - A decent outing but not as impactful as Saka on the other side.
- Martin Ødegaard: 6.5/10 - Tried to dictate the game but wasn't always successful.
Final Thoughts
Overall, it was a decent performance from Arsenal, but not a truly convincing one. The team will need to step up their game if they want to challenge for the title this season. The midfield was a bit too passive, and the attack could have been more clinical. But hey, it's still pre-season, and there's plenty of time to iron out those wrinkles before the real stuff starts.
Let's hope Leandro Trossard can find his mojo soon!