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Montpellier vs Arsenal highlights + Player Ratings

Gunners secure a nervy win

Arsenal opened their Champions league campaign with a narrow victory over French champions Montpellier. Arsenal had to do it in the hard way as they came from behind to secure the win. Montpellier scored an early goal through a penalty which was awarded for a little juggle by Vermaelen on Belhanda. But the visitors were quick to respond as they scored two goals in the space of two minutes thanks to Podolski and Gervinho. Arsenal didn’t put forth the most convincing of performances, but their experience, or Montpellier’s lack thereof, led them to victory.

The second half saw the hosts rallied wave after wave of attacks, with lively winger Remi Cabella hitting the crossbar and goalscorer Younes Belhanda missing a great chance late on when he fired straight at stand-in goalkeeper Vito Mannone, the Gunners closed out a battling victory.

Here are the highlights of the match:

Player ratings: 

Vito Mannone: 7/10

Other than the embarrassment of seeing Montpellier’s Younes Belhanda chipped in his penalty early on in the game, had a decent game. Made some goods stops at the final stages which kept Arsenal in the lead.

Carl Jenkinson: 7.5/10

Jenkinson is improving every match, the player has completely transformed from last year. Started moving forward a lot which was missing in the early years of his career. It was his cross which led to Gervinho’s goal in the 18th minute. 

Per Mertesacker: 6/10

Unlike the rest of Arsenal’s defenders, Mertesacker had very little to do with Montpellier only scoring one goal. When he wasn’t invisible he was playing the fool, twisted and turned around by the home side. Disappointing.

 Thomas Vermaelen: 7/10

Was not up to his best in the starting stages of the game as he gave away a silly penalty in the opening exchange. But the reliable captain was Strong, physical and disciplined the rest of the game. 

Kieran Gibbs: 7.5/10

His forwards runs were excellent as always. But his positioning at the back is always a worry for the Gunners and has to improve on it. Overall had a good game.

Abou Diaby: 7/10

Physical play all night from Diaby. Received the match’s first booking, earning a yellow card just two minutes in. Showed tenacity—in both defense and offense—all night. Energetic, inspiring play from the 26-year-old.

 Mikel Arteta: 7/10

Controlled, collective in the middle of the park, Put in some excellent tackles to stop the forward runs of Montpellier’s attackers. Started the game a little rough, but bounced back quickly.  

Gervinho: 8/10

Great passes, disciplined play, worked well in tandem with Lukas Podolski and a goal to his credit in the 18th minute. He caused Montpellier manager Rene Girard a lot of problems with his defensive game-plan, in an all-action display from the Ivorian. 

Lukas Podolski: 8.5/10

Converted his first real chance at goal; slotting home for Arsenal’s opening score. Tireless efforts the entire night. Played a bit tight in the second half, but I wonder if that was tactical.

 Santi Cazorla: 7/10

With the standards he set in the Premier league, it can be said it was an off day for Cazorla but Can’t fault him for much as he did his job perfectly but the overall team performance outclassed the Spaniard. He was another cog in the machine of an effective Arsenal midfield.

 Olivier Giroud: 6.5/10

Tough, inspired play against his former team, Giroud provided a great pass to put Podolski through on goal for the equalizer in the 16th minute.

 

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