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[Ratings & Goals] Arsenal 3-0 Rennes: Aubameyang & Ramsey shine as Gunners progress
Arsenal completed an impressive comeback to beat Rennes 3-0 at the Emirates and progress to the quarter finals of the Europa League 4-3 on aggregate.
It was a flying start from Arsenal as we opened the scoring in the 5th minute when Aaron Ramsey squared for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to tap home from close range.
The Gabon international then did well to dig out a cross for Ainsley Maitland-Niles to head home for 2-0 ten minutes later – although Auba looked to be offside before sending in the cross.
Rennes tried to fight their way back into the match in the second half but Arsenal made it 3-0 in the 72nd minute when Aubameyang scored from a lovely Sead Kolasinac cross.
Auba went on to miss two excellent chances to seal his first hat-trick for the club and finish the tie off but we still held on for a 3-0 win which sees us progress to the last-8 4-3 on aggregate.
Here are my ratings:
Cech 7/10 | Great save to tip a Niang shot onto the post at 2-0 and was brave on a couple of occasions in the second half. Dealt with everything that came his way.
Maitland-Niles 8/10 | Superb down the right. Played a key role in the opening goal and made it 2-0 with a fine header. Great performance overall.
Mustafi 6.5/10 | Almost cost us a goal when he lost possession early in the second half but was otherwise solid enough.
Koscielny 7.5/10 | Top performance. Led from the back and dealt with everything Rennes could throw at us.
Monreal 7/10 | Another solid outing from the reliable Spaniard. Didn’t put a foot wrong.
Kolasinac 8/10 | Superb once again. Great block to deny Sarr a shot on goal to make it 2-1. Was a huge threat in attack and set-up Aubameyang for his second goal with a pin-point cross.
Xhaka 7/10 | Continued his fine form with another decent display. Controlled the game for long periods and was disciplined in midfield.
Ramsey 8/10 | Set up Aubameyang for the opener and should have had a second assist in the second half when he showed excellent quick feet. Another excellent performance.
Ozil 7/10 | Some great moments in the first half but faded in the second period when the game got disjointed. Should have had an assist when he set-up Aubameyang.
Aubameyang 8.5/10 | On hand to open the scoring early on with a typical close range finish and did superbly well to set-up the second goal. Made it 3-0 with another tap-in in the second half. Missed two great chances to complete his hat-trick but you can’t complain at two goals and an assist. Terrific performance from the striker.
Lacazette 6.5/10 | Fortunate not to be sent off in the first half for a poor tackle and Rennes did their best to get him a second yellow after the break. Fought well but wasn’t really his night. Subbed.
Subs:
Mkhitaryan 7/10 | Positive impact. Involved in the build-up to the third goal and saw plenty of the ball.
Iwobi 7/10 | Great impact from the bench. Lively in attack – although he missed a decent chance to hit the target when well positioned.
Torreira N/A | On too late.
This was a great all-round performance from Arsenal and we got the job done against a dirty Rennes side who were intent on getting one of our players sent off. We’re now in the draw for the quarter finals, let’s hope for a decent draw tomorrow. Next up in Newcastle after the international break….Watch the goals from tonight’s game here: