Arsenal vs Slavia Praha Report and Ratings

The occasion was a magnificent one and if that alone didn't give you goosebumps then a knelt Lacazette, glaring at an inexplicably standing Slavia Praha would have. At that moment I was transported to Rugby World Cup 2011 when the Kiwi's performed arguably one of the most infamous Hakas of all time. Lacazette's vociferous and silent knee had the same, warrior-like energy and I believe at that moment the captain had set the tone for the evening: one of unaccepting the opposition or let's pummel these prejudice Praha pricks.

I shared the same anxious and sleep disturbed week as the rest of the fanbase and quite frankly thought this could be where we say goodbye to our season. A good rule to live by with Arsenal, or modern-day Arsenal is to expect the worst but hope for the best. A quote from ex UK Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, who probably would have been an Arsenal fan with that attitude. He even called statistics "lies" so it very much looks like we were all cut from the same cloth.

How silly and pessimistic does that all seem now? I'm going to kick off the ratings with the manager who, quite rightly now, wasn't shaking like a Sh*ting dog in his pre-match like the rest of us were.

Arteta 10 - Before the game Mikel had his head in a noose, even though I a lot of fans - including myself - wouldn't have hung him if we had lost. The pressure must have been immense but he had planned meticulously, using the Sheffield game as the perfect training exercise for his back four. Every single player knew their roles, played their part in the victory and most importantly were as motivated as I have ever seen them. The manager has to be given plaudits for his strategy and the execution.

Leno 6 - Bernt gets the lowest rating out of the team because he contributed the least. Not his fault though as he didn't face a single shot thanks to the perfect display from his outfield players.

Chambers 8 - I am so pleased for Callum. I had written him off completely, especially at right back but keeps on performing, keeps on proving to Hector that you can bounce back after an ACL injury. An assist and a huge hand in the move prior to the penalty, I think Callum has done enough to avoid the chop at the end of the season, instead shinning a light on Hector and David.

Holding 7 - Rob and Pablo, cheese and wine, Ant and Dec do you know what I mean? He was a blockade for the entire match and a mobile one at that, showing a turn of pace on occasion to thwart a couple of almost threatening attacks. He was fantastic today, like he has been every time he is partnered with Mari. I hope Mikel has noticed that and I'm almost certain he has due to the lack of Gabriel.

Mari 7 - Pablo was equally as impassable and never needs to exert too much energy or even reach a sprint. His positioning mated by his level-headed demeaner rub off on to his entire backline and it should not go unnoticed how much of a bargain he was from Flamengo.

Xhaka 7 - I wouldn't go as far as calling it a masterstroke from Mikel to play Granit here in Kieran's absence. But, his idea to have Dani bust a gut to get on the left flank for an out ball for Granit, and to back him up in defence really was clever. Because of this, he was seldom exposed and his opportune cross-field switches and hand in the fourth goal all earn him a strong rating and another step forward in making reparations with the fans.

Partey 7 - Due to Dani having to cover multiple areas of the pitch I believe Mikel deployed Thomas, like he did against Sheffield, in his Athletico position. With his mop and bucket Thomas cleaned everything Slavia tried up, being faster, stronger and with the anticipation of a hypnotist. I think until we get the personnel in who are able to play as Mikel wants, Thomas should play in the central defensive midfield position, play like the octopus that he has been named.

Cebellos 7 - I don't know whether it is just this time of year when Dani decides to play like a Real Madrid graduate or he needs that little bit more freedom and confidence to perform like we know he can. Not only did he pull the strings and link defence and midfield quite beautifully but he also performed his defensive duties admirably helping Granit out on the left. I still wouldn't keep him permanently; however, he will be vital for this last sprint of the season with injuries bound to continue to mount.

Smith Rowe 9 - Emile was electric and I bet you we wouldn't have scored half as many goals without him. All three of the first half goals were centred around our young and exuberant number ten. The double nutmeg assist for Pepe's first goal, the run in behind and pass for the Saka penalty and, what might have been missed by the fans in excitement, his first-time layoff (from a tricky to control ball) to Partey on the halfway line to spread the play out to the right for the third goal. What a talent we have and I'm sure if he had stayed on, he could have thrown his hat in the mix for man of the match.

Saka 9 - What more can you say about this boy. In the morning I was reading about his humble visits to Greenford High School in Ealing, where he was a shining light and all-round fantastic student. Then in the evening, I am brimming with pride and screaming his name in celebration like I'm sure his former PE teacher, Mark Harvey was. Two fantastic strikes from outside of the box lead me to believe he is just one of those players who can only finish if they are outside the box and have completely thumped the ball instead of placing it. Either way, everything he touches turns to gold and I want to see him brandishing a European trophy at 19.

Pepe 9 - Nicolas showed a side of himself I for one haven't seen before. Maybe it was the racial subtext of the game or maybe Mikel was holding his family ransom, because he did not stop running! I already knew he is a sublime finisher; I already knew he can put it on a plate for Lacazette, but I didn't know he could press like Martinelli. Perhaps, Martinelli's presence and performances have made Nico realise that if he doesn't match his tenacity in defence, he will replace him, quite rightly. Pepe has the talent to win us this competition and with the right support, quash the Zaha comparisons in the League next year.

Lacazette 9 - Laca is matching his form from his Player of the Year season. Instinctive finishing, dogged defence and lightening link-up play which brings the entire front four into play. Two fantastic goals and the perfect captain's performance, filling Aubameyang's shoes with ease. Don't bother buying a forward this summer, offer him another year and look at other positions as I want to see my Man of the Match at the Emirates next season.