- Kieran Tierney - 9/10
The Scotsman and a wing-back role is a match made in heaven. The defender's work rate and stamina mean he is capable of tirelessly running back and forth, his technical skills make him a threat in front of goal and his mental toughness sees Kieran never give up.
Tierney was on fire against Sheffield United and gets our Man of the Match award.
- Granit Xhaka - 8/10
The midfielder started his second game in a row as the injury he picked up in the Man City clash apparently does not affect him. The 27-year-old was everywhere at Bramall Lane, delivered passes from behind and dictated our build-up.
The Swiss international made some crucial interceptions and, after Alex Lacazette was subbed off, wore the armband for the first time since the infamous Crystal Palace accident.
- Dani Ceballos - 8/10
This is why we loaned him! Dani scored a fantastic goal from a near-impossible angle exactly at the time when Arsenal needed it the most. Mikel Arteta placed a bet on the midfielder introducing him the second half of a very tough game and Ceballos' stoppage-time winner proved Arteta was right to trust him.
- Nicolas Pepe - 7.5/10
The Ivorian was used in a new role as he was placed on the right side of the midfield diamond in Mikel Arteta's new 3-6-1 system. Apart from converting the penalty, Nico was very lively and took part in almost every Arsenal attack.
Apart from that, his defensive contribution was top notch. The 25-year-old has finally settled at the Emirates – this game has proven it. The only downside of Nico's display is that he looked somewhat distant and unfocused on several occasions.
- David Luiz - 7.5/10
Mikel Arteta introduced a three-man defence in part because of the Brazilian centre-back and the 33-year-old did really well. He made no mistakes, was a good presence in the defence and his diagonal and vertical passes immensively helped Arsenal build from the back.
It takes great mental strength to come back after the Man City horror show and David Luiz has to get credit for that. Unfortunately, he could not continue the game and Rob Holding was introduced in the second half.
- Ainsley Maitland-Niles - 7/10
The Englishman famously dislikes playing as a right-back but we have too many players in the midfield so Mikel Arteta has seemingly found a compromise: use Ains in the wing-back role. The 22-year-old made several important tackles and looked relatively composed in possession.
He was not the best player in the park today as he was caught out of position by Sheffield players on a couple of occasions and his attacking contribution left much to be desired but his readiness to step in is a warning to Hector Bellerin who has not impressed since the restart.
- Emiliano Martinez - 7/10
The Argentine looked composed overall and organised his defence well, with Arsenal successfully using offiside trap on several occasions.
His passing from the back skills are something else as he never buckled under the Blades' pressure. Top-notch delivery from the goalkeeper serves as another proof Bernd Leno has a very strong competitor for the post between the sticks.
- Other players
Mustafi 6.5, Holding 6, Kolasinac 6.5, Saka 7, Willock 7, Lacazette 7, Nketiah N/A, Sokratis N/A
Do you agree with our assessment? Do you have something else to add? Tell us in the comments or through blogs!
