Arsenal 1-1 Atletico Madrid: Player Ratings

Arsenal (Lacazette 61') 1-1 Atletico Madrid (Griezmann 82')

Arsenal and Atletico Madrid played a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final at The Emirates. It was a horrendous start for Atletico as they were down to 10 men after just 10 minutes when Sime Vrsaljko received an early sending off.

Atleti being a man short in defense brought about a huge impact as Arsenal dominated the entirety of the game, having 77% ball possession and 28 attempts in total at goal. They were ultimately rewarded when Alexandre Lacazette broke the deadlock subsequently following the hour mark.

But the Gunners were made to pay for their poor finishing in front of goal as Diego Simeone's men grabbed a late equalizer through Antoine Griezmann to keep the tie even heading into the second leg.

Here are the player ratings:

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Arsenal

Lacazette carried on his recent hot-streak

David Ospina - 6/10

Ospina did not have much to do in the entire game as he faced only five shots on goal from the Atletico attack, making routine saves.

Héctor Bellerín - 6/10

Bellerin was running up on the right flank crossing the ball into the box, but none of his attempted crosses were successful.

Laurent Koscielny - 5/10

Koscielny can be partly blamed for Arsenal conceding a goal. His error cost the team due to his attempted clearance/tackle allowing Griezmann to run through on goal.

Shkodran Mustafi - 6/10

Mustafi was decent against the Atleti frontline, making three clearances and winning four aerial duels respectively.

Nacho Monreal - 7/10

The Spaniard did an equally good job in both defense and attack in the left back role, making three tackles and completing two key passes.

Jack Wilshere - 7/10

Wilshere provided the assist to Arsenal's opener following a quick interchange with Aaron Ramsey, crossing the ball to Lacazette for the goal.

Granit Xhaka - 7/10

The midfielder had four shots at goal but none were on target. However, he played in an astonishing 24 long balls and recorded a game-high 155 touches.

Aaron Ramsey - 7/10

Ramsey had numerous attempts at goal but only three shots were on target. He did play an instrumental role in the build-up to the first goal.

Mesut Özil - 8/10

Ozil had an influential game as he was ever-present when Arsenal was going forward, completing six key passes and seven dribbles with a passing accuracy of 96%.

Alexandre Lacazette - 8/10

The Frenchman had an excellent all-round performance. Not only did he score but he had an active participation in the build-up play as well, completing five key passes along with winning five aerial duels. He was impressive on the defensive end too, successfully winning three tackles.

Danny Welbeck - 6/10

Welbeck had a decent game, creating two chances on goal and doing a good job of retaining possession while tracking back in defense, intercepting the ball on a couple of instances.

Atletico Madrid

Griezmann made Arsenal pay for their wasted chances

Jan Oblak - 7/10

Oblak was in the firing line as the Gunners were constantly attacking his goal. But as always, he stepped up in a big game and pulled out a string of saves. However, his late reaction to Lacazette's header allowed Arsenal to go in front.

Sime Vrsaljko - 2/10

Back to back fouls by the Croatian fullback drew out two yellow cards and a sending off just 10 minutes into the game.

José Giménez - 7/10

Gimenez competed well against Lacazette aerially for the majority of the game, winning three aerial duels and also completing two interceptions.

Diego Godín - 7/10

Just like his partner, it was a busy night for Godin as well, but he proved to be immense on the night by making nine clearances and blocking three shots.

Lucas Hernández - 6/10

Hernandez did not contribute much offensively playing at left back going forward, but he did his job staying back against the likes of Mesut Ozil and Hector Bellerin.

Saúl Ñíguez - 6/10

Saul was required to do a lot of defensive work that limited his attacking threat, but he did a great job as he broke down Arsenal's attacks, intercepting the ball three times.

Thomas Partey - 7/10

Thomas put in a good overall shift as made forward runs but more importantly he proved to be a rock in midfield, especially making seven interceptions.

Koke - 6/10

Koke recorded 60 touches but had a disappointing game as he failed to provide any good crosses from the left wing, and was able to complete just 72% of his passes.

Ángel Correa - 5/10

The Argentinian winger put in a below par performance - he was dispossessed twice, committed four fouls, and played in just 13 passes before being taken off in the 74th minute.

Antoine Griezmann - 8/10

Griezmann was also forced to get back to help out in defense as Atletico were down by one man. But he did his fair share in the attacking third of the pitch, scoring the vital away goal and fending off Koscielny and Ospina on his way, allowing him basically an open goal as he coolly and smoothly put the ball in the back of the net.

Kevin Gameiro - 6/10

Gameiro did not receive much of the ball due to the attacking pressure applied by Arsenal on the other end. However, he did have one shot on target and won two aerial battles.

Substitutes

Gabi - 5/10

Took the place of Gameiro in the 64th minute to provide additional cover in midfield and defence.

Stefan Savic - N/A

Came on for Correa in the 74th minute.

Fernando Torres - N/A

Replaced Griezmann in the 84th minute.