Arsenal’s 1-0 win over PSV was hardly a performance that will live long in the memory, but frankly, it does not need to. A match which had promised a new challenge saw the Gunners have arguably their most dominant display of the competition so far this year.
Not needing to get out of second gear for most of the game, Arsenal managed to secure a single-goal win thanks to yet another strike from Granit Xhaka; his sixth goal contribution of the season so far. Now all that is needed is a point in Eindhoven, and top spot is secured.
In a match which lacked inspiration, there was varying performances in the side but relief at the end. football.london takes a look at the winners and losers from the Europa League battle.
READ MORE: Arsenal vs PSV highlights: Xhaka goal gives Gunners control of Group A as Cody Gakpo disappoints
Winners
Granit Xhaka
What can you say about the man that hasn’t been said already? Granit Xhaka’s performances have simply reached their peak at Arsenal, and despite the new role suiting his game so much, it is simply the player’s strengths being enhanced by the job Mikel Arteta has assigned to him.
Goals aren’t the making of a good player, especially one that needs to have an all-round game like the Swiss midfielder, but it is what he does far beyond the added goal contributions that help him stand out. Even with his unofficial role as a captain, although he wore the armband until Martin Odegaard came on, he has seen his role model status come to the fore for the rest of this young side.
Takehiro Tomiyasu
After having a difficult performance at Leeds United as a left-back, Takehiro Tomiyasu returned to his more natural right-back role on Thursday night. The Japanese international was up against the one-to-watch of the evening Cody Gakpo.
Yet the sought-after forward had a very quiet game, much to do with the restrictions placed on him by Tomiyasu. That said, he has been regularly praised for his defending hence why it was great to see his cross set up Xhaka for the goal, sending a strong message that he can indeed support the attack.
Mikel Arteta
Despite the win, Mikel Arteta comes out of the game delighted that he managed to avoid any injuries after having to use far more of his regular starters. Bukayo Saka was the only scare after going down after a blocked shot in the second half.
He departed the field with little issue and will hopefully be fine for the weekend. Substituting Gabriel Jesus early in the second half was also a plus after he put in a much spritelier performance than he was capable of at Elland Road.
Losers
Kieran Tierney
Despite having a very good opening 20 minutes, the only chances that PSV were truly able to achieve were down Arsenal’s left with the Scot caught out of position. He shouldn’t be disheartened by his performance, but playing the ninety minutes, perhaps it isn’t a good sign for Sunday.
Mikel Arteta instead decided to take Takehiro Tomiyasu off for Ben White. This could potentially be a sign that the Japanese international will again start this weekend.
Fabio Vieira
This was a chance once again for Fabio Vieira to show the benefit he can have for the Gunners. However, instead of confidently involving himself in the game, he played in a more reactive fashion, and much less a protagonist like Odegaard managed as soon as he came on.
Arteta recognised this by bringing the Norwegian on, who was involved in the build-up for the sole goal of the game. Vieira might see this as a missed opportunity to show what he is capable of.
Sambi Lokonga
Lastly, and perhaps slightly reluctantly, Albert Sambi Lokonga makes the list. The Belgian didn’t necessarily have a poor game by any means, and a pass out to the left flank in the opening moments showed what passing range he possesses.
However, it was an unconvincing display that was ended with the introduction of Thomas Partey. In a game where Arsenal had 66% possession in the first half, this should be where Lokonga has the chance to shine and show his progressive abilities in the middle.
Yet Arteta, in particular, felt that without replacing him with the more experienced and settled Partey, a breakthrough wouldn’t be found. After a week where Lokonga spoke of frustration with his national team coach Roberto Martinez, he really needed to have a big game, and it didn’t necessarily deliver. Hopefully, he can show his credentials next week in Eindhoven.
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