Player ratings: Sheffield United vs Arsenal

0-3 (Lacazette 2, Martinelli)

April 11, 2021, Kick-Off 7pm

Bramall Lane

Premier League

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Bernd Leno  7/10

Never seems to make it easy for himself in terms of playing out from the back, but dealt with everything that came his way, earning his ninth Premier League clean sheet this season after thirteen games without one.

Calum Chambers  7.5/10

Showed off his attacking talents similarly to the West Ham game but had to be watchful of Enda Stevens. Confident to take the ball forward and has an eye for a pass as well.

Rob Holding 7.5/10

Rewarded with another start after an excellent performance on Thursday, and it’s always worth remembering that he cost just 2 million pounds, a miniscule amount in today’s market. Never looked flustered in defence.

Pablo Mari  7.5/10

Arteta’s constant rotation has prevented any solid partnerships being formed in defence, but the Brazilian adjusts well to different opponents and centre-back partners. Happy to pass the ball out out from the back and pick out a long ball too.

Bukayo Saka  8/10

Linked up with Martinelli and had a shot saved in the opening stages. Given a free reign by Arteta in attack and looked back to his best before being substituted halfway through the second half due to injury.

Dani Ceballos  8/10

A notable improvement from the Liverpool defeat for the Real Madrid loanee, who assisted Lacazette with a perfect flick in a classic Arsenal team goal. Stylish and classy throughout.

Granit Xhaka  7.5/10

Surprised everyone by starting at left back to accommodate for Saka playing in a number 10 role rather than in defence. The Swiss captain will be thankful about facing a relatively toothless Blades attack, and the question now will be whether he moves back into midfield for the Slavia second leg.

Thomas Partey  7.5/10

The usual hustle and bustle in the centre of midfield and once again providing a few gifts to Sheffield United in possession, but the £45 million signing did have a role to play in goal number one, and an inch perfect assist for Lacazette’s second.

Nicolas Pepe 7/10

Thursday’s goalscorer stuck to doing the simple things whilst his attacking counterparts ran the show. Arsenal have a throw-in coach but a corner specialist could be useful too. Had a big part to play in Martinelli's goal.

Alexandre Lacazette (C)  8.5/10

The Frenchman was utilised by Arteta to press the Blades defence and support the three creative players behind him, but he stole the show by slotting home in the 33rd minute in one of the best team goals you will see this season, and then scoring his 50th Premier League goal by sending Ramsdale the wrong way.

Gabriel Martinelli  8.5/10

A chilly evening in Sheffield didn’t bother the South American winger, desperate to impress after finally receiving a start. Martinelli was his usual self, constantly lively and rewarded for his efforts when the rebound of Pepe’s shot fell to him in the box and he made it 2-0.

Willian (Sub, 68’)  6/10

Played through the middle after replacing Bukayo Saka.

Elneny (Sub, 83’) 

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Nketiah (Sub, 89’)  

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Subs not used: Ryan (GK), Bellerin, Soares, Gabriel, Azeez, Nelson