Another game which ends all square for the Gunners this season, the theme of not being able to kill off games by getting the second goal is costing us numerous points, maybe we need to be more brave when leading games to avoid results like this.
It was a shaky start for Arsenal, which saw Sheffield create multiple chances in the first 20 minutes, more notable Lys Mosset had a few attempts which perhaps he should have scored. After this, the Gunners started to get playing, with Martinelli and Pepe causing problems down either flanks, linking up for a chance at the back post which the Brazilian volleyed wide. The absence of top goalscorer Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang was starting to look costly for Arsenal as they seemed to have lost all their attacking threat, however in the 45th minute, young stand in full-back Saka whipped in a lovely cross in which Martinelli latched onto to give us the lead going into halftime.
In the second half, it appeared that Arsenal had settled down and looked in control of the game, creating a few half chances. However it was Sheffield who had the best effort of the start of the half as Granit Xhaka had to clear one of the line to stop the Blades being level. Shortly after, Nicolas Pepe went at his man, drove into the penalty area and cut inside of Jack O’Connell who blatantly stuck out his leg taking the Ivorian International out. Mike Dean continued his theme of not awarding penalties to the Gunners and this outrageous decision was backed up by VAR to the bemusement of fans around the world. Sheffield started to come back into the game and struck late on through John Fleck in the 83rd minute, another deflected goal in which Arsenal have conceded this season, it seems to be happening most games now. The Blades finished the game on top and could have went on to win it, however in the end the points were shared at the Emirates.
Player Ratings
Bernd Leno: Didn’t have a lot of saves to make throughout the game. Couldn’t have done anything to stop John Flecks equaliser, another deflected goal conceded. 6/10
Maitland-Niles: Didn’t have the best of games, looked shaky at the back and his crossing wasn’t as good as it usually is. Shame after being so good in recent weeks. 6/10
Shkodran Mustafi: Started poorly and got caught out by McBurnie. Recovered well and made some good interceptions and tackles. 6/10
David Luiz: Has become a new player under Arteta, consistently holding together Arsenal’s very questionable defence. Had another assured game. 7/10
Bukayo Saka: Excellent performance from someone so young, especially when playing out of position. Looked assured at the back and bombed forward with intent leading to his 7th assist of the season. My MOTM. 8/10
Lucas Torreira: Got to be one of the first names on the team sheet, screened the back four really well again and broke up the play multiple times. 7.5/10
Granit Xhaka: Forming a good partnership with Torreira and improving every week under Arteta. Good block off the line, however lost the ball on the halfway line which started a counter for the Blades. 7/10
Mesut Ozil: Tried to make things happen, but didn’t manage to carve Sheffield open. Made some tidy passes, but needs to improve his goal involvement record to warrant starting every game. 6/10
Nicolas Pepe: Went at his marker with intent and got some joy throughout. Always looked lively and should have had a stonewall penalty in the second half. 7/10
Gabriel Martinelli: Worked as hard as always, pressing his marker well. Missed a few chances in the first half, but put Arsenal ahead just before halftime. Did well to fill Aubameyang’s boots. 7/10
Alexandre Lacazette: Led the line well and played a couple of brilliant through balls, but looked as if he really needed a goal. Hopefully can grab one on Tuesday night. 6/10
Gunners Daily 