A stay from Alexandre Lacazette and a Gabriel Martinelli strike gave Arsenal a routine 3-0 victory over a poor Sheffield United side on Sunday night.
After being frustrated early on, the Gunners took the lead when Lacazette finished a nice move.
Gabriel Martinelli doubles Arsenal’s lead?
The easiest finish for the Brazilian after Pepe’s saved shot fell on him! pic.twitter.com/R8glchBKbU
– Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) 11 April 2021
The second half was boring, but Arsenal eventually doubled their advantage with 20 minutes left to play. Martinelli was the scorer and knocked home after Nicolas Pepe’s strike was parried by Aaron Ramsdale.
Lacazette even added a bit of brilliance to the result line with five minutes left to play, clamping on Thomas Party’s consistent ball and stroking it past Ramsdale.
Here are your Blades and Gunners player ratings from Bramall Lane …
Ramsdale had an afternoon to forget | Pool / Getty Images
Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – 4/10 – Got away with one in the first half when he fired a clearance straight at Lacazette. Did not get away with one in the second half when he paired Pepe’s shot directly to Martinelli.
Ethan Ampadu (CB) – 6/10 – Read the game well and register six distances. His passing was solid. Can say that he is one level above most of his teammates.
John Egan (CB) – 5/10 – A pretty reliable artist. Let Lacazette slide free for his third goal.
Enda Stevens (CB) – 5/10 – Sometimes wild in his passing. He was often the starting point for Blade’s attacks. Skinned by Pepe for the second goal.
Norwood was usually diligent | Pool / Getty Images
George Baldock (RWB) – 5/10 – Worked his socks for the team. Did not dribble past the entire game.
John Lundstram (CM) – 4/10 – His influence was negligible. Gave away the ball for Arsenal’s second goal.
Oliver Norwood (CM) – 6/10 – His team’s best midfielder. He created some chances and also broke the game effectively.
John Fleck (CM) – 5/10 – Pretty safe in possession. He should have been a little more positive.
Ben Osborn (LWB) – 5/10 – Full of energy. He moved into midfield after Sheffield United changed form. Spun easily by Partey for the third goal.
McGoldrick worked hard Laurence Griffiths / Getty Images
Oliver Burke (ST) – 4/10 – 21 touches in 65 minutes. Not many of them were particularly good either.
David McGoldrick (ST) – 5/10 – Marginal better than his strike partner, with emphasis on marginal. Both are completely understandably lacking any confidence.
Rhian Brewster – 5/10 – Another quiet cameo.
Oli McBurnie – 5/10 – Picked up a knock soon after getting on and had to get off again.
Lys Mousset – 5/10 – Missed a decent chance in the end.
Xhaka stuffed in left back | Pool / Getty Images
Bernd Leno (GK) – 7/10 – Forced to make some pretty basic saves early. Looks solid enough all the time.
Callum Chambers (RB) – 7/10 – A very simple shift. He was not worried defensively and supported his side in the last third.
Rob Holding (CB) – 7/10 – Despite fielding two strikers, Sheffield United caused him very few problems. He sometimes went into midfield to help spread the holdings.
Pablo Mari (CB) – 7/10 – Played around Sheffield United’s pressure without too many problems, which gives a 93% pass rate.
Granit Xhaka (LB) – 6/10 – Did not look completely comfortable in an unknown left back role. Better teams will use the space behind him more efficiently.
Saka played centrally | TIM KEETON / Getty Images
Thomas Partey (CM) – 7/10 – Nothing too spotty for the most part but did his job well. His pass for Lacazette’s second goal was sublime.
Dani Ceballos (CM) – 7/10 – Classy. He caught the eye with his clever movement, flicks and backheels. Set Lacazette’s opener but faded as things pulled on.
Bukayo Saka (AM) – 7/10 – Added another string in the frame with a perfect display in a central role. Involved in the construction of the opener.
Lacazette opened the scoring in the first half | LAURENCE GRIFFITHS / Getty Images
Nicolas Pepe (RW) – 7/10 – Quiet during the first half but his driving created Arsenal’s goal after the break.
Alexandre Lacazette (ST) – 9/10 – Showed great composure to finish a good team move. Played well with his back to goal before he was added a second late.
Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – 8/10 – Shaken by an injury scare and rewarded when he knocked home the easiest goal he will ever score a few minutes later. Always looked dangerous.
Willian came on in the second half | RUI VIEIRA / Getty Images
Willian – 6/10 – Nothing wrong with his display.
Mohamed Elneny – 6/10 – Steady.
Eddie Nketiah – N / A
