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Arsenal pipped Sheffield United to a 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium earlier today after goals from Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe guided Mikel Arteta's side back to winning ways. Sheffield United frustrated the Gunners for most of the game and will be disappointed with the defeat.
Arsenal benefitted from a few smart substitutions in the second half and scored both their goals in a five-minute period as Nicolas Pepe and Hector Bellerin combined well on the right flank. The Blades scored their first goal of the season with a David McGoldrick wonder-strike but are yet to win their first point in the Premier League this season.
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Arsenal predictably dominated the ball in the opening stages of the game but did have a tense moment in the fifth minute when Oliver Burke stole the ball from David Luiz. Bernd Leno, however, was on hand to produce a crucial clearance.
The Gunners struggled to create chances in the first half with only Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looking to make something happen at the Emirates Stadium. Sheffield United defended with a deep block and easily dealt with crosses from Arsenal's wide players.
Arsenal finally broke the deadlock at the hour-mark after a brilliantly worked move involving Aubameyang and Hector Bellerin saw Bukayo Saka score a well-placed header to give the Gunners the lead. Nicolas Pepe sprinkled salt into Sheffield United's wounds only minutes later with a magnificent individual goal that changed the complexion of the game.
David McGoldrick stepped up to the plate and gave Chris Wilder's side a glimmer of hope with an excellent finish late in the second half. Arsenal dug deep to see the game out towards the end of the game and came away from the fixture with a crucial three points.
Arsenal Player Ratings
Bernd Leno - 6.5/10
Bernd Leno had a sharp game in the first half and rushed out of his box to prevent Oliver Burke from having a clear sight at the goal in the opening stages of the game. The Arsenal shot-stopper did not have much to do for the rest of the game and was blameless for McGoldrick's goal.
David Luiz - 6/10
David Luiz had a nervy start to the game and nearly cost Arsenal a goal within five minutes of the kick-off. The Brazilian defender did improve in the second half but will have to be careful as the season progresses.
Gabriel Magalhaes - 7/10
Gabriel Magalhaes adds a palpable element of solidity to the Arsenal back-line and would have made an excellent impression on Mikel Arteta with his performance today. The centre-back was comfortable on the ball and is set for an extended stay in the Arsenal defence.
Kieran Tierney - 6.5/10
Kieran Tierney was rarely troubled defensively and found himself in advanced positions on the left flank. The Scottish full-back attempted several crosses into the area but did not make much of an impact in the final third.
Hector Bellerin - 7.5/10
Hector Bellerin looked positive in the first half and his probing runs finally bore fruit in the build-up to the opening goal. The Spaniard also bagged his second assist of the game for Nicolas Pepe's strike and will be happy with his performance.
Bukayo Saka - 7.5/10
Bukayo Saka had some bright moments in the first half and was a livewire in the second. The young English prodigy showed plenty of maturity to take his opportunity and celebrated his England call-up with a well-taken goal.
Mohamed Elneny - 6.5/10
Mohamed Elneny started ahead of Granit Xhaka in Arsenal's midfield and his presence allowed Ceballos to express himself throughout the game. The Egyptian was tidy with his passing and continues to grow under Mikel Arteta.
Dani Ceballos - 7/10
Dani Ceballos was one of the few standout players for Arsenal in the first half and bossed the game in the midfield. The Spaniard used his exceptional ball-retention skills to dictate the Gunners' play and was faultless with his passing.
Willian - 5.5/10
Willian had a disappointing game by his standards and failed to create anything of note on the left flank. The Brazilian winger misplaced many of his passes and will need to improve to keep his place in the starting eleven.
Edward Nketiah - 5.5/10
Edward Nketiah was not particularly comfortable in the first half but did manage to make a few good runs to split Sheffield United's defence. The youngster failed to trouble Aaron Ramsdale, however, and was replaced by Nicolas Pepe before the hour-mark.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - 7/10
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was one of Arsenal's only threats in the first half and did take a few shots that worried Aaron Ramsdale. The Arsenal captain did not get on to the scoresheet today but was involved in most of the Gunners' attacking routines in the final third.
Substitutes
Nicolas Pepe - 7.5/10
Nicolas Pepe injected life into Arsenal's play after his introduction and gave an excellent account of himself today. The Frenchman displayed extraordinary technique and poise for his goal and is likely to play an important role for Arsenal this season.
Granit Xhaka - 6/10
Granit Xhaka was introduced as a late substitute and did not have enough time to make an impact on the game.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles - 6/10
Ainsley Maitland-Niles was introduced to add a defensive aspect to Arsenal's play as the Gunners looked to defend their lead late in the game.
Also Read: Top 10 attacking trios in football history
Sheffield United Player Ratings
Aaron Ramsdale - 7/10
Aaron Ramsdale had a decent outing against Arsenal and could not be faulted for either of the goals scored by the Gunners today. The Sheffield United shot-stopper has enjoyed a good start to his Premier League season and will need his teammates to take it up a notch in the coming weeks.
John Egan - 6.5/10
John Egan made several important clearances throughout the game and marshalled Sheffield United's defensive lines. The centre-back was a solid presence in Chris Wilder's back-line and had an excellent first half.
Jack Robinson - 6/10
Like many of his teammates, Jack Robinson had a good first half but struggled to cope with the presence of Nicolas Pepe after his introduction. The defender could have done more to impede the French winger in the build-up to Arsenal's second goal.
Chris Basham - 6.5/10
Chris Basham did a fairly good job for most of the game and made several interventions in the first half. The centre-back could have done more to prevent Bukayo Saka's opening goal, however, and will be disappointed to be on the losing side.
Enda Stevens - 6/10
Enda Stevens displayed an impeccable work-rate throughout the game and had to keep up with the likes of Hector Bellerin and Nicolas Pepe. The wing-back did have a few difficult moments in the second half but had a fairly decent game.
George Baldock - 7/10
George Baldock was one of Sheffield United's best players on the day and effectively nullified the presence of Willian in the final third. The right-back has gone from strength to strength under Chris Wilder and had a good game today.
Ben Osborn - 6.5/10
Ben Osborn put in a massive shift for Sheffield United and spent most of his time tracking Arsenal's runners. The midfielder was taken off for John Fleck in the second half as the Blades looked for an equaliser.
John Lundstram - 6/10
John Lundstram had plenty of work to do in the midfield against Arsenal and led the Sheffield United press. The midfielder also made a few late runs into the box but was unable to score a goal for the Blades.
Sander Berge - 5.5/10
Sander Berge was also tasked with pressing Arsenal's midfield and had his work cut out for him against Dani Ceballos. The Sheffield United midfielder spent a large portion of the game chasing shadows and did not have much to show for it at the end of the match.
Oliver Burke - 6.5/10
Oliver Burke had a positive outing against Arsenal and troubled David Luiz in the first half with his pace. The forward was Sheffield United's chief threat when he was on the pitch and was replaced by Oli McBurnie in the second half.
David McGoldrick - 7/10
David McGoldrick was largely anonymous for most of the match but produced a moment of sheer magic in the second half to bring Sheffield United back into the game.
Substitutes
Oli McBurnie - 6/10
Oli McBurnie came on for Oliver Burke in the second half but did not see enough of the ball to make something happen for Sheffield United.
John Fleck - 6/10
John Fleck was introduced late into the game but did not have enough time to make an impact.
Billy Sharp - 6/10
Billy Sharp was introduced by Chris Wilder to add a cutting edge to Sheffield United's attack to did not see much of the ball in his limited time on the pitch.
Also Read: Premier League 2019/20: Team of the season
