Arsenal 2 – 2 Napoli – Player Ratings – Emirates Cup 2013 – 3rd August 2013
Competition hosts Arsenal fought back from 0-2 down against Napoli to snatch a draw on the opening day of the 2013 Emirates Cup. The Italian side, managed by former Liverpool and Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez, took the lead after some poor defending from Carl Jenkinson allowed Lorenzo Insigne to slot home on seven minutes. Arsenal could have drawn level when they were awarded a penalty, but Lukas Podolski’s strike was too close to Pepe Reina, and the Spanish stopper was able to preserve his team’s lead.
Worse was to come for the Gunners as Napoli doubled their lead when Goran Pandev outpaced Per Mertesacker then rounded Lukasz Fabianski and finished high into the net.
The Gunners were booed off at half-time by a capacity crowd inside the Emirates, but came out in the second forty-five with a more attacking vibe thanks to the introduction of Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Piling pressure towards their opponents’ goal with balls in from wide areas, Arsenal got a reward for an improved performance when Walcott’s corner was acrobatically finished by Olivier Giroud to give Arsenal a chance of earning themselves a draw.
Napoli began to crack under the weight of the Gunners possession, and another ball into the box allowed Mertesacker to force Reina into a great save before Laurent Koscielny rose highest to head home the rebound and allow Arsenal to escape with a positive result.
Worse was to come for the Gunners as Napoli doubled their lead when Goran Pandev outpaced Per Mertesacker then rounded Lukasz Fabianski and finished high into the net.
The Gunners were booed off at half-time by a capacity crowd inside the Emirates, but came out in the second forty-five with a more attacking vibe thanks to the introduction of Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Piling pressure towards their opponents’ goal with balls in from wide areas, Arsenal got a reward for an improved performance when Walcott’s corner was acrobatically finished by Olivier Giroud to give Arsenal a chance of earning themselves a draw.
Napoli began to crack under the weight of the Gunners possession, and another ball into the box allowed Mertesacker to force Reina into a great save before Laurent Koscielny rose highest to head home the rebound and allow Arsenal to escape with a positive result.
With the Premiership campaign just fourteen days away from beginning, here’s what we learned from the team’s latest outing:
- The match itself was a topsy-turvy one, and despite Arsenal’s dominance in terms of possession throughout most of the match, a draw was probably a fair result. Although they created a number of chances in both halves, the Gunners were thwarted by Pepe Reina and their own inaccurate finishing on several occasions. Concerns for the home side’s performance will be minimised due to this result coming in a pre-season friendly but the sluggishness with which Arsenal started will be a worry to Wenger who usually expects his team to play at a high tempo throughout the game.
Substitutions in the second half gave Arsenal the upper-hand and a more attacking impetus from the likes of Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain helped the Gunners to look infinitely more threatening going forward. In general the play of both sides was very much what you would expect in pre-season as possession was turned over on many occasions due to sloppy passing or players being unfamiliar with the movements of others.
Although Arsenal fought back well in the second period, Napoli should be commended for edging their hosts towards the brink of defeat before eventually relinquishing their lead. The Italian side’s goals were incisive and it was they who looked menacing inside the first twenty minutes – particularly on the break.
- Attention may have been focussed on the pitch throughout the game, but there were murmurings in the stand and outside the ground about Arsenal’s lack of off-season activity. It has become an almost annual topic with Arsene Wenger opting to conduct little or no business in the summer transfer window, but this season seems particularly poignant as the clubs apparent desire to sign Luis Suarez continues to unfold. Movements, although slow and not very forthcoming, are clearly being made to improve the squad, and the signing of Liverpool’s prize asset would certainly have lifted the mood before the game. Aside from Yaya Sanogo, there have been no more arrivals at the Emirates whilst the club have allowed several fringe players to leave without being replaced.
Frustration certainly showed as aside from the three main changes they made, there appeared to be very few options of the substitutes’ bench which could have turned the game in favour of Wenger’s men.
Just to rub salt into the wound, Arsenal’s Italian counterparts were able to bring their expensive new summer signing off the bench, Gonzalo Higuain, who although ineffective in the short spell of play he had, would have perhaps brightened Arsenal fans moods if he had been wearing a red shirt.
- Although only one summer arrival has made his way into the Emirates, another returnee will have been greatly welcomed despite being largely off the pace. Midfielder Jack Wilshere returned for the Gunners as they went on a quest for fourth place last season, but his limited game time towards the end of the year indicated that Wenger was still reluctant to throw his key man back into action.
Injured two years ago during the Emirates Cup, it has been a slow-burning return for the talented midfielder. Time away from the game looked to have taken its toll on the midfielder as he struggled to cope with the movement of Napoli’s midfield unit in the first half.
There were a few examples of his bursting runs forward and incisive passing in key areas, but for large sections of the game he was clearly working himself back into shape.
If Arsenal are to challenge for the title this season, and at the very least go after fourth place then his return to full fitness is key.
- The team in the second half should be commended for the way in which they fought back from 0-2 down, but throughout the game there were really only three stand-out performers for the Gunners. Down the spine of the team it seems as though there is promising consistency from Giroud, Rosicky and Koscielny. Not just due to goals from two out of the three players, but their performances stood out beyond the rest particularly in the second half.
Defensively Koscielny was Arsenal’s best player last season, and it was fitting that he scored the goal that secured their path into Europe on the final day of the season against Newcastle. Against Napoli he picked up from where he left off from last year and was alert to the danger that the Italian frontline possessed. Going forward he proved himself to be a real threat from set pieces, and showed a willingness to get his head on the ball to score the team’s second and equalising goal.
Equally, Rosicky ended the last campaign with a flurry, and had performed at a high level ever since signing a contract renewal early in 2012. He was busy in midfield exchanging passes with Wilshire and appearing on both the left and right side of attacks. Even at an advanced age he remains a threat going forwards both creatively and in terms of scoring goals.
Most impressive of all was Olivier Giroud who found form at the midpoint of last season and will be hoping to avoid a sophomore slump in the Premier League. As crosses reigned in on Reina’s goal in the second half, Giroud was the man to win an aerial ball for Arsenal and his combination play in and around the area helped mount some threatening attacks. Whilst no singular player can carry the goalscoring burden for Arsenal, if the French forward can chip in with 15-20 goals then the Gunners will certainly reach their minimum target of getting into the Champions League.
- With many years of experience of having played against Arsenal as both Liverpool and more recently Chelsea manager, Rafa Benitez picked the perfect formation and tactics to frustrate the Gunners. As has been a problem with the Gunners for many years, they often chose to move the ball wide to create space in the box, and although both goals came from aerial situations, they score an alarmingly low number of goals from high balls. Therefore Benitez’ tactics of defending deep frustrated Arsenal as they were then forced to play the ball into the area aiming for the head of Giroud and hoping that players around him could get his flicks and knockdowns to try and score goals.
Now lacking the likes of Nasri, Fabregas and even Van Persie, Arsenal have less players available who aren't afraid to strike the ball from outside of the area to stop the opposition from defending deep, or players who will find spaces to feed the ball through into the areas where their attacking players prefer to go. On all too many occasions the ball went from the middle, out wide, and back to the middle again without breaking down the defence. Players on the edge of the box such as Wilshire and Rosicky who tried to penetrate through the wall of blue shirted players found themselves surrounded by two and three opponents who on each occasion snuffed out attacks. This repetitive process led to now all too familiar groans from Arsenal fans who have seen one too many such attack break down over the years.
- Though his movements on the touchline are far from that of Jose Mourinho or his opposite number on the day, Rafa Benitez, Wenger was unmoved, even by his own standards, during the ninety odd minutes of the game. Although Steve Bould came out into the technical area on several occasions, Wenger stayed rooted to his seat for almost the entire first half.
Whether or not he was just watching the action unfold before making changes, or was unconcerned by the team’s two goal deficit and poor play in the first period, it seemed to be a very strange move for a manager whose team are so close to the beginning of the season.
Many have questioned Wenger’s ability to develop a ‘Plan B’ for his team, and also whether or not he can manipulate small pieces of tactical detail when Arsenal are performing poorly or should his side fall behind. Wenger’s activity seemed hugely opposite to that of Napoli’s manager who was a constant presence on the edge of his technical area, and seemed to be offering instructions to his players with great vigour throughout both halves.
Whether that is just Wenger’s style, a bit more activity from himself or his coaching staff during the periods when Arsenal were going through some tough times would have demonstrated an open willingness to do something to resolve the difficulties that his team were clearly facing. Relations between Arsenal fans and their manager appear to be souring on an almost weekly basis, and this grand demonstration of a willingness to act could be helping to resolve some of the tension, as Wenger’s apparent myopia towards his side’s obvious failings had many calling for him to step down in the off season. As he sat in his usual seat in the dugout he appeared unflustered by the poor play that saw Arsenal go 2-0 down – either he knew something that we didn't or perhaps wanted to allow his side an opportunity to dig themselves out of a hole of their own making.
- Without doubt the second half was a large improvement on the first, and largely thanks to the introduction of both Theo Walcott and Bacary Sagna. Both presented a threat in different forms down the right hand side, and combined well during the last twenty minutes when Arsenal were pushing for an equaliser.
Although he has made his case to start as a central striker, Walcott remains a dangerous threat out wide with his pace. It was clearly visible during his performance that his speed caused Napoli defenders problems as they continually backtracked into uncomfortable areas. Still lacking from Walcott’s game is an ability to provide consistently accurate delivery from wide areas, but luckily the player brought on at the same time as Walcott demonstrated an ability to offer a quality pass into the box which would allow Giroud to test the Napoli defence.
Sanga looked to be a forgotten figure at the Emirates last season after seemingly being unsure as to where his future lay, and although Carl Jenkinson showed promising flashes in 2012-13, the Frenchman remains a first choice option if Arsenal are to move forward. Sagna’s experience as well as his performances will allow the Gunners to flourish this season, and the full-back thoroughly staked his claim for a place in the first-XI for the way in which he links with Theo Walcott if the England forward is deployed as a winger.
- Several of Arsenal’s problems in the first half were of their own making as they defended sloppily and showed little of the zip that is usually involved in their passing game. A constant theme of their attacks was the pedestrian pace in which the ball was moved forward in both halves as Arsenal tried to break down their opponents.
Known for their fast attacking pace, on too many occasions the ball was not moved speedily enough allowing Napoli to get players back in front of the ball, and thwart attacks by stifling Arsenal’s counter-attack with great ease. Allowing players to get back into position made it easy for Napoli to get bodies behind the ball and therefore Arsenal were stuck in the dilemma of breaking their opponents down when they had eleven men behind the ball.
- Defensively the Gunners were top notch last season, but during their match against Napoli they showed traits of previous season’s play where they defence had looked rudderless and lacked the leadership that Wenger had inherited with Adams, Keown and his current assistant manager Steve Bould.
Both of Napoli’s goals were due to Arsenal generously donating possession to the Italian side, and for Insigne’s strike, fingers could be pointed at both Carl Jenkinson and Per Mertesacker who made equally poor efforts of clearing their defensive lines. For the Pandev goal, it was just a case of the tall German defender being out-paced, and too much space being left between the midfield and defence which allowed the Macedonian striker to profit. The partnership of Mertesacker and Koscielny seems the most likely one that Wenger will start the season with, but what of Vermaelen, the team’s outstanding defender two seasons ago who was given the club captaincy following Fabregas’ departure? Arguments state that the Belgian is too similar to Koscielny, and perhaps deploying him at left back in the absence of Monreal would be a good move. However Wenger chooses to resolve the problem, time is ticking towards the real test against Aston Villa at home on the opening Saturday.
- There is no need to draw too many negative conclusions from the Gunners 2-2 draw with Napoli, but the level of their performance, and the lack of any new signings indicates that this could be a long hard season for Arsenal as they attempt to hold onto their Champions League place in the face of renewed competition from Tottenham, Everton and Liverpool.
Wenger has stated that he continues to pursue new signings, but it seems as though his main target, Luis Suarez, may simply not be for sale.
If no new additions are made to the team in a timely fashion then this could be an extremely long season for Arsenal fans, and the team as they watch the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea pull away in the race for the title whilst the aforementioned teams reel them in as part of the race for fourth place.
- The match itself was a topsy-turvy one, and despite Arsenal’s dominance in terms of possession throughout most of the match, a draw was probably a fair result. Although they created a number of chances in both halves, the Gunners were thwarted by Pepe Reina and their own inaccurate finishing on several occasions. Concerns for the home side’s performance will be minimised due to this result coming in a pre-season friendly but the sluggishness with which Arsenal started will be a worry to Wenger who usually expects his team to play at a high tempo throughout the game.
Substitutions in the second half gave Arsenal the upper-hand and a more attacking impetus from the likes of Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain helped the Gunners to look infinitely more threatening going forward. In general the play of both sides was very much what you would expect in pre-season as possession was turned over on many occasions due to sloppy passing or players being unfamiliar with the movements of others.
Although Arsenal fought back well in the second period, Napoli should be commended for edging their hosts towards the brink of defeat before eventually relinquishing their lead. The Italian side’s goals were incisive and it was they who looked menacing inside the first twenty minutes – particularly on the break.
- Attention may have been focussed on the pitch throughout the game, but there were murmurings in the stand and outside the ground about Arsenal’s lack of off-season activity. It has become an almost annual topic with Arsene Wenger opting to conduct little or no business in the summer transfer window, but this season seems particularly poignant as the clubs apparent desire to sign Luis Suarez continues to unfold. Movements, although slow and not very forthcoming, are clearly being made to improve the squad, and the signing of Liverpool’s prize asset would certainly have lifted the mood before the game. Aside from Yaya Sanogo, there have been no more arrivals at the Emirates whilst the club have allowed several fringe players to leave without being replaced.
Frustration certainly showed as aside from the three main changes they made, there appeared to be very few options of the substitutes’ bench which could have turned the game in favour of Wenger’s men.
Just to rub salt into the wound, Arsenal’s Italian counterparts were able to bring their expensive new summer signing off the bench, Gonzalo Higuain, who although ineffective in the short spell of play he had, would have perhaps brightened Arsenal fans moods if he had been wearing a red shirt.
- Although only one summer arrival has made his way into the Emirates, another returnee will have been greatly welcomed despite being largely off the pace. Midfielder Jack Wilshere returned for the Gunners as they went on a quest for fourth place last season, but his limited game time towards the end of the year indicated that Wenger was still reluctant to throw his key man back into action.
Injured two years ago during the Emirates Cup, it has been a slow-burning return for the talented midfielder. Time away from the game looked to have taken its toll on the midfielder as he struggled to cope with the movement of Napoli’s midfield unit in the first half.
There were a few examples of his bursting runs forward and incisive passing in key areas, but for large sections of the game he was clearly working himself back into shape.
If Arsenal are to challenge for the title this season, and at the very least go after fourth place then his return to full fitness is key.
- The team in the second half should be commended for the way in which they fought back from 0-2 down, but throughout the game there were really only three stand-out performers for the Gunners. Down the spine of the team it seems as though there is promising consistency from Giroud, Rosicky and Koscielny. Not just due to goals from two out of the three players, but their performances stood out beyond the rest particularly in the second half.
Defensively Koscielny was Arsenal’s best player last season, and it was fitting that he scored the goal that secured their path into Europe on the final day of the season against Newcastle. Against Napoli he picked up from where he left off from last year and was alert to the danger that the Italian frontline possessed. Going forward he proved himself to be a real threat from set pieces, and showed a willingness to get his head on the ball to score the team’s second and equalising goal.
Equally, Rosicky ended the last campaign with a flurry, and had performed at a high level ever since signing a contract renewal early in 2012. He was busy in midfield exchanging passes with Wilshire and appearing on both the left and right side of attacks. Even at an advanced age he remains a threat going forwards both creatively and in terms of scoring goals.
Most impressive of all was Olivier Giroud who found form at the midpoint of last season and will be hoping to avoid a sophomore slump in the Premier League. As crosses reigned in on Reina’s goal in the second half, Giroud was the man to win an aerial ball for Arsenal and his combination play in and around the area helped mount some threatening attacks. Whilst no singular player can carry the goalscoring burden for Arsenal, if the French forward can chip in with 15-20 goals then the Gunners will certainly reach their minimum target of getting into the Champions League.
- With many years of experience of having played against Arsenal as both Liverpool and more recently Chelsea manager, Rafa Benitez picked the perfect formation and tactics to frustrate the Gunners. As has been a problem with the Gunners for many years, they often chose to move the ball wide to create space in the box, and although both goals came from aerial situations, they score an alarmingly low number of goals from high balls. Therefore Benitez’ tactics of defending deep frustrated Arsenal as they were then forced to play the ball into the area aiming for the head of Giroud and hoping that players around him could get his flicks and knockdowns to try and score goals.
Now lacking the likes of Nasri, Fabregas and even Van Persie, Arsenal have less players available who aren't afraid to strike the ball from outside of the area to stop the opposition from defending deep, or players who will find spaces to feed the ball through into the areas where their attacking players prefer to go. On all too many occasions the ball went from the middle, out wide, and back to the middle again without breaking down the defence. Players on the edge of the box such as Wilshire and Rosicky who tried to penetrate through the wall of blue shirted players found themselves surrounded by two and three opponents who on each occasion snuffed out attacks. This repetitive process led to now all too familiar groans from Arsenal fans who have seen one too many such attack break down over the years.
- Though his movements on the touchline are far from that of Jose Mourinho or his opposite number on the day, Rafa Benitez, Wenger was unmoved, even by his own standards, during the ninety odd minutes of the game. Although Steve Bould came out into the technical area on several occasions, Wenger stayed rooted to his seat for almost the entire first half.
Whether or not he was just watching the action unfold before making changes, or was unconcerned by the team’s two goal deficit and poor play in the first period, it seemed to be a very strange move for a manager whose team are so close to the beginning of the season.
Many have questioned Wenger’s ability to develop a ‘Plan B’ for his team, and also whether or not he can manipulate small pieces of tactical detail when Arsenal are performing poorly or should his side fall behind. Wenger’s activity seemed hugely opposite to that of Napoli’s manager who was a constant presence on the edge of his technical area, and seemed to be offering instructions to his players with great vigour throughout both halves.
Whether that is just Wenger’s style, a bit more activity from himself or his coaching staff during the periods when Arsenal were going through some tough times would have demonstrated an open willingness to do something to resolve the difficulties that his team were clearly facing. Relations between Arsenal fans and their manager appear to be souring on an almost weekly basis, and this grand demonstration of a willingness to act could be helping to resolve some of the tension, as Wenger’s apparent myopia towards his side’s obvious failings had many calling for him to step down in the off season. As he sat in his usual seat in the dugout he appeared unflustered by the poor play that saw Arsenal go 2-0 down – either he knew something that we didn't or perhaps wanted to allow his side an opportunity to dig themselves out of a hole of their own making.
- Without doubt the second half was a large improvement on the first, and largely thanks to the introduction of both Theo Walcott and Bacary Sagna. Both presented a threat in different forms down the right hand side, and combined well during the last twenty minutes when Arsenal were pushing for an equaliser.
Although he has made his case to start as a central striker, Walcott remains a dangerous threat out wide with his pace. It was clearly visible during his performance that his speed caused Napoli defenders problems as they continually backtracked into uncomfortable areas. Still lacking from Walcott’s game is an ability to provide consistently accurate delivery from wide areas, but luckily the player brought on at the same time as Walcott demonstrated an ability to offer a quality pass into the box which would allow Giroud to test the Napoli defence.
Sanga looked to be a forgotten figure at the Emirates last season after seemingly being unsure as to where his future lay, and although Carl Jenkinson showed promising flashes in 2012-13, the Frenchman remains a first choice option if Arsenal are to move forward. Sagna’s experience as well as his performances will allow the Gunners to flourish this season, and the full-back thoroughly staked his claim for a place in the first-XI for the way in which he links with Theo Walcott if the England forward is deployed as a winger.
- Several of Arsenal’s problems in the first half were of their own making as they defended sloppily and showed little of the zip that is usually involved in their passing game. A constant theme of their attacks was the pedestrian pace in which the ball was moved forward in both halves as Arsenal tried to break down their opponents.
Known for their fast attacking pace, on too many occasions the ball was not moved speedily enough allowing Napoli to get players back in front of the ball, and thwart attacks by stifling Arsenal’s counter-attack with great ease. Allowing players to get back into position made it easy for Napoli to get bodies behind the ball and therefore Arsenal were stuck in the dilemma of breaking their opponents down when they had eleven men behind the ball.
- Defensively the Gunners were top notch last season, but during their match against Napoli they showed traits of previous season’s play where they defence had looked rudderless and lacked the leadership that Wenger had inherited with Adams, Keown and his current assistant manager Steve Bould.
Both of Napoli’s goals were due to Arsenal generously donating possession to the Italian side, and for Insigne’s strike, fingers could be pointed at both Carl Jenkinson and Per Mertesacker who made equally poor efforts of clearing their defensive lines. For the Pandev goal, it was just a case of the tall German defender being out-paced, and too much space being left between the midfield and defence which allowed the Macedonian striker to profit. The partnership of Mertesacker and Koscielny seems the most likely one that Wenger will start the season with, but what of Vermaelen, the team’s outstanding defender two seasons ago who was given the club captaincy following Fabregas’ departure? Arguments state that the Belgian is too similar to Koscielny, and perhaps deploying him at left back in the absence of Monreal would be a good move. However Wenger chooses to resolve the problem, time is ticking towards the real test against Aston Villa at home on the opening Saturday.
- There is no need to draw too many negative conclusions from the Gunners 2-2 draw with Napoli, but the level of their performance, and the lack of any new signings indicates that this could be a long hard season for Arsenal as they attempt to hold onto their Champions League place in the face of renewed competition from Tottenham, Everton and Liverpool.
Wenger has stated that he continues to pursue new signings, but it seems as though his main target, Luis Suarez, may simply not be for sale.
If no new additions are made to the team in a timely fashion then this could be an extremely long season for Arsenal fans, and the team as they watch the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea pull away in the race for the title whilst the aforementioned teams reel them in as part of the race for fourth place.
Arsenal’s team ratings Vs Napoli
Lukasz Fabianski
The Polish stopper could do little about either Napoli’s goals, but conceded from 100% of opponents’ shots on target he faced. In the second half he was required to do very little, but provided some good early passes out to the full backs to get attacks started when attacks from the Italians petered out.
Carl Jenkinson
The young defender looked a little out of sorts as Insigne robbed him for the first goal, and when Sagna came on in the second half it demonstrated the belief that Jenkinson lacks the attacking threat of his more experienced French team mate. Jenkinson recovered well from his early error and defended solidly, but at the top level he still looks a little bit short of the class that Arsenal require to mount a title challenge.
Laurent Koscielny
The Frenchman was Arsenal’s outstanding defender last season, and proved why he is Wenger’s first choice at centre half against Napoli. In the second half when Gonzalo Higuain made his debut, Koscielny marshalled the threat of the Argentine well and used his pace to anticipate the £42m man’s every move. The centre back was calm and commanding in the air, and was the only player committed enough to attack the ball in a crowded penalty area when scoring the equaliser for Arsenal.
Per Mertesacker
Caught out for Napoli’s second goal, the German defender was generally solid throughout the remainder of the game despite being exposed on a couple of occasions by the pace at which Napoli broke. In the air he was commanding, but looked slow and lumbering across the turf as Pandev broke through to score.
Kieran Gibbs
Currently the first choice left back with Monreal out injured, Gibbs was relatively well shackled by Napoli and unable to make many of his trademark runs down the flank into an attacking area. Once Sanga and Walcott were brought on, the attention they attracted gave him some more space to go forward and look to get the ball towards Giroud.
Aaron Ramsey
The Welshman turned a lot of people’s opinions round last season with his consistent performances, and although he still looks a shadow of the player he was in early appearances at Arsenal he looked a much more commanding midfielder in a central role.
Jack Wilshere
Marginally off the pace compared with his usual high standards, Wilshere looks to be playing himself back into form and fitness. Wisely removed by Wenger after around an hour, the Frenchman demonstrated that early stage of the season should be about managing the minutes of his key man, and not risking losing him to injury.
Serge Gnabry
Looked pacey yet raw down the wing before being removed, Gnabry deserved his chance after some excellent performances in previous pre-season matches. He was unable to provide much cutting edge delivery against a top class defence, and will be hoping to get minutes and experience being stepping up into a first team position on a regular basis.
Tomas Rosicky
One of Arsenal’s outstanding men on the day, Rosicky was lively in both wide and central areas as he tried to start attacks and help take the game to Napoli. He looked energetic playing in a slightly withdrawn role, and could yet be a key part of Wenger’s team in 2013/14.
Lukas Podolski
The German looked a touch off the pace despite starting with much promise up next to Giroud. His penalty miss was very un-German as were many of his touches which went astray during his hour of action. Still possessing a thunderbolt of a strike made Napoli push up to close him down and allow space for the advancing Rosicky or Gnabry as Arsenal tried to get back into the game.
Olivier Giroud
The French striker hit a run of form last season, and will be looking to add more goals this season after his spectacular volley. In the first half when Arsenal were struggling he was a little anonymous, but in the second when he was feeding off supply from Sagna and Walcott, the Frenchman looked like a totally different player and was clearly Arsenal’s main threat.
Theo Walcott
His pace had Napoli sitting back on their heels, but the threat of Walcott actually provided more help to Arsenal than the forward himself. The England man was unable to get past his defender on a number of occasions, but pushing so far forward and committing players helped to make space for fellow sub Sagna down the right flank.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Provided a burst of energy in central midfield, and attempted to demonstrate to Wenger why he favours a position in the engine-room of the game. Drove forward with real menace on several occasions and there was a buzz of anticipation everytime he picked up the ball.
Bacary Sagna
Offered some much needed width and crossing down the right hand side when brought on in the second half. Found Giroud in the air on several occasions with pinpoint crosses which came arrowing through the Napoli defence. If he can prove to be an asset defensively then he was win back his place from Jenkinson.
Mikel Arteta
In a holding role Arteta looked at home as he has done ever since joining Arsenal. Distributing the ball to others as Arsenal swept forward he looked like the man most likely to unlock the door with a pass or a good delivery from a set piece.
Chuba Akpom
Given only a few seconds to make an impact on the pitch, but will have been delighted to see first team action at this stage of the season.
The Polish stopper could do little about either Napoli’s goals, but conceded from 100% of opponents’ shots on target he faced. In the second half he was required to do very little, but provided some good early passes out to the full backs to get attacks started when attacks from the Italians petered out.
Carl Jenkinson
The young defender looked a little out of sorts as Insigne robbed him for the first goal, and when Sagna came on in the second half it demonstrated the belief that Jenkinson lacks the attacking threat of his more experienced French team mate. Jenkinson recovered well from his early error and defended solidly, but at the top level he still looks a little bit short of the class that Arsenal require to mount a title challenge.
Laurent Koscielny
The Frenchman was Arsenal’s outstanding defender last season, and proved why he is Wenger’s first choice at centre half against Napoli. In the second half when Gonzalo Higuain made his debut, Koscielny marshalled the threat of the Argentine well and used his pace to anticipate the £42m man’s every move. The centre back was calm and commanding in the air, and was the only player committed enough to attack the ball in a crowded penalty area when scoring the equaliser for Arsenal.
Per Mertesacker
Caught out for Napoli’s second goal, the German defender was generally solid throughout the remainder of the game despite being exposed on a couple of occasions by the pace at which Napoli broke. In the air he was commanding, but looked slow and lumbering across the turf as Pandev broke through to score.
Kieran Gibbs
Currently the first choice left back with Monreal out injured, Gibbs was relatively well shackled by Napoli and unable to make many of his trademark runs down the flank into an attacking area. Once Sanga and Walcott were brought on, the attention they attracted gave him some more space to go forward and look to get the ball towards Giroud.
Aaron Ramsey
The Welshman turned a lot of people’s opinions round last season with his consistent performances, and although he still looks a shadow of the player he was in early appearances at Arsenal he looked a much more commanding midfielder in a central role.
Jack Wilshere
Marginally off the pace compared with his usual high standards, Wilshere looks to be playing himself back into form and fitness. Wisely removed by Wenger after around an hour, the Frenchman demonstrated that early stage of the season should be about managing the minutes of his key man, and not risking losing him to injury.
Serge Gnabry
Looked pacey yet raw down the wing before being removed, Gnabry deserved his chance after some excellent performances in previous pre-season matches. He was unable to provide much cutting edge delivery against a top class defence, and will be hoping to get minutes and experience being stepping up into a first team position on a regular basis.
Tomas Rosicky
One of Arsenal’s outstanding men on the day, Rosicky was lively in both wide and central areas as he tried to start attacks and help take the game to Napoli. He looked energetic playing in a slightly withdrawn role, and could yet be a key part of Wenger’s team in 2013/14.
Lukas Podolski
The German looked a touch off the pace despite starting with much promise up next to Giroud. His penalty miss was very un-German as were many of his touches which went astray during his hour of action. Still possessing a thunderbolt of a strike made Napoli push up to close him down and allow space for the advancing Rosicky or Gnabry as Arsenal tried to get back into the game.
Olivier Giroud
The French striker hit a run of form last season, and will be looking to add more goals this season after his spectacular volley. In the first half when Arsenal were struggling he was a little anonymous, but in the second when he was feeding off supply from Sagna and Walcott, the Frenchman looked like a totally different player and was clearly Arsenal’s main threat.
Theo Walcott
His pace had Napoli sitting back on their heels, but the threat of Walcott actually provided more help to Arsenal than the forward himself. The England man was unable to get past his defender on a number of occasions, but pushing so far forward and committing players helped to make space for fellow sub Sagna down the right flank.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Provided a burst of energy in central midfield, and attempted to demonstrate to Wenger why he favours a position in the engine-room of the game. Drove forward with real menace on several occasions and there was a buzz of anticipation everytime he picked up the ball.
Bacary Sagna
Offered some much needed width and crossing down the right hand side when brought on in the second half. Found Giroud in the air on several occasions with pinpoint crosses which came arrowing through the Napoli defence. If he can prove to be an asset defensively then he was win back his place from Jenkinson.
Mikel Arteta
In a holding role Arteta looked at home as he has done ever since joining Arsenal. Distributing the ball to others as Arsenal swept forward he looked like the man most likely to unlock the door with a pass or a good delivery from a set piece.
Chuba Akpom
Given only a few seconds to make an impact on the pitch, but will have been delighted to see first team action at this stage of the season.