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Arsenal player ratings vs Sheffield United: Two stars struggle as Mikel Arteta’s side draw
Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Sheffield United on what turned out to be a bitterly disappointing afternoon for Mikel Arteta.
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Arsenal struggled in front of goal without suspended captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as they drew 1-1 with this season’s surprise package Sheffield United. The Gunners’ goal came from Gabriel Martinelli in the first half, before John Fleck struck a late equaliser.
It was not a bad performance from the hosts but again they have shown that they do struggle to see games out when it really matters.
Several stars including Granit Xhaka and Ainsley Maitland-Niles continued to show their improvement under Arteta, but a handful of Arsenal players now look to be playing for their future.
It's a draw that will feel like a defeat for the Gunners, who may now have lost further ground on the top four.
Express Sport takes a look at how the players rated against Sheffield United.
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Bernd Leno - 7
Confident performance and much improved when it comes to claiming crosses. Something that hasn’t been his strongest attribute this season.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles - 7
Needs to work on his link-up play with Pepe but very solid and continues to improve with every week that goes by.
Shkodran Mustafi - 7
A positive display from the German, who is hoping for a lifeline at the Emirates.
David Luiz - 6
Continues his improvement under Arteta but also continues to shoot from 40 yards out.
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Bukayo Saka - 6
Another steady performance covering at left-back, provided the assist for Martinelli.
Lucas Torreira - 6
Here, there and everywhere. Covered every blade of grass but did give away the ball for the equaliser.
Granit Xhaka - 8
Great performance. Spent a lot of the game dropping back into the defence and helping move the ball forward into midfield.
Nicolas Pepe - 6
Some lovely dribbles in the first half but played without punch after the break. Should have had a penalty but VAR said no.
Mesut Ozil - 5
Not his best performance, struggled to make any kind of impression on the game. Return of Dani Ceballos may put his position at risk.
Gabriel Martinelli - 7
Right place right time. Ninth goal of the season and was a constant threat around the box.
Alexandre Lacazette - 5
Poor despite being involved in the goal. Without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Arsenal needed him to step up, something he failed to do.