A late Tomas Holes goal denied Arsenal a slim lead at half-time in the Europa League quarter-final with Slavia Prague on Thursday night, where Mikel Arteta’s side were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw.
A tough first half did not really look like sparkling into life, with Bukayo Saka’s left-footed effort pulling harmlessly at the post almost on either side came to break the deadlock.
The Gunners came within inches of taking the lead early in the second half when Willian struck a free kick over the wall and climbed to the outside of the post, before Alexandre Lacazette also did when it almost looked easier to score after being given the freedom to the Slavia half.
NICO! THERE IT IS! ?
? 1-0 ⚫️ (86)
? #UEL pic.twitter.com/tBdbSXnqvq
– Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 8, 2021
With 15 minutes left, Areta demanded the cavalry with Nicolas Pepe, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Gabriel Martinelli, who were all introduced, and the move went almost profitably as Aubameyang stole a yard in the Slavia box before shooting next to the goal.
Just as the game looked like crawling towards a dull draw, Pepe turned to the afterburners to beat his man before producing a glorious chip over Ondrej Kolar to give Arsenal the lead.
However, it was a late sting in the tail when Slavia swung a corner into the middle and Holes stole into the back post to go home to make it 1-1.
These are the highlights of the match, now to the ratings of all important Arsenal players …
Hector Bellerin loses possession | IAN KINGTON / Getty Images
Bernd Leno (GK) – 6/10 – Gave very little to do until stoppage time when he produced a smart save before the front. Little he could do with the Slavia equalizer.
Hector Bellerin (RB) – 6/10 – Found himself in a good position at Arsenal right on a number of occasions but just could not find any real quality.
Rob Holding (CB) – 5/10 – A couple of loose balls in midfield and just looked a little uncomfortable when the visitors stepped forward.
Gabriel (CB) – 7/10 – Was dominant in the air and helped reject almost everything Slavia threw in the box.
Cedric Soares (LB) – 5/10 – The former Southampton man is literally just plugging a gap. Looked shaky and his shocking clearance in the second half almost led to a Slavia goal.
Thomas Partey chases Lukas Provod | Julian Finney / Getty Images
Thomas Partey (CM) – 4/10 – Completely anonymous. The only time he did anything noted was when he decided to play dangerous passes over his own box.
Granit Xhaka (CM) – 8/10 – Had the fight for the home team (we know!). Did not stop fussing with Slavia’s backline all evening and gave everything for the team (we know!).
Emile Smith Rowe (AM) – 6/10 – Restored to start XI instead of Real Madrid loanee Martin Odegaard. Was busy all the time but just could not find some magic to unlock the visitors’ backline before they were withdrawn.
Bukayo Saka looks to win the ball back IAN KINGTON / Getty Images
Willian (RW) – 5/10 – Hit the goal frame with a smart free kick early in the second half. Did very little else and was withdrawn with 20 minutes to play.
Alexandre Lacazette (ST) – 5/10 – Saw odds of opening the scoring with the entire Slavia half for himself, but somehow managed to hit the post.
Bukayo Saka (LW) – 6/10 – Preferred by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the left. The liveliest of the top three but rejected a couple of decent opportunities early.
Here comes Gabi …
? Martinelli↩️ Willian
? 0-0 ⚫️ (73)
? #UEL pic.twitter.com/Mv7JFN0Ax1
– Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 8, 2021
Gabriel Martinelli (RW) – 6/10
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST) – 7/10 – Injected some life into the game and grabbed himself an assist shortly after arrival.
Mohamed Elneny (CM) – 6/10
Nicolas Pepe (LW) – 7/10 – Nice pace and skilful finish to give Arsenal the lead.
Daniel Ceballos (CM) – Not applicable
