Here we run through the five best rated players from the semi-final Europa League first leg matches, with Arsenal boasting three of the top five performers from Thursday’s games…
5. Granit Xhaka (Arsenal) - 7.65 rating
Against a Valencia side that started six defenders at the Emirates, Granit Xhaka had no issues with maximising a WhoScored strength of ‘passing’. He made more passes (76) than any other player in the semi-final first leg Europa League matches, finding a teammate with 90.8% of his passes as he capitalised on the excess space in the middle of the park. Three key passes, one of which saw him register the assist for Arsenal and Alexandre Lacazette’s second, and two accurate long balls saw him land a WhoScored rating of 7.65.
4. Pedro (Chelsea) - 7.88 rating
Chelsea saved themselves a potential uphill struggle as they drew 1-1 in Frankfurt with Pedro’s goal on the stroke of half time drawing the Blues level after Luka Jovic had put the hosts ahead. Bagging a crucial away goal, the Spaniard landed a WhoScored rating of 7.88 as Pedro netted with one of his three shots, completed three dribbles and made three key passes in a solid attacking display in Germany.
3. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal) - 8.21 rating
Securing a podium spot in the top-rated performers, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang wrapped up a 3-1 win over Valencia with his late goal on Thursday night. Arsenal will be able to breath a little easier ahead of their trip to Spain next week, with the Gabon international tucking past Neto from close range in the 90th minute. Aubameyang provided the assist for Alexandre Lacazette’s opener in north London as he returned a WhoScored rating of 8.21.
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2. Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea) - 8.42 rating
Securing the man of the match award in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw at Eintracht, Ruben Loftus-Cheek provided the assist for Pedro’s goal, that coming from one of three key passes, no player made more in midweek. The England international was a driving force from midfield, too, as he completed more dribbles (9) than any other player to secure a WhoScored rating of 8.42.
1. Alexandre Lacazette (Arsenal) - 9.26 rating
Our player of the week with a WhoScored rating of 9.26, Alexandre Lacazette’s first of two drew Arsenal level as the Frenchman capitalised on some questionable goalkeeping by Neto. Lacazette has now scored three goals in his last two Europa League outings as the Gunners chase glory, with his brace coming from six shots, that more than any other player, in the first leg matches. An additional two key passes capped a fine performance from Lacazette on the night.
