A brace from Alexandre Lacazette and a Gabriel Martinelli strike gave Arsenal a routine 3-0 win over a poor Sheffield United side on Sunday evening.
After being frustrated early on, the Gunners took the lead when Lacazette finished off a slick passing move.
Gabriel Martinelli doubles Arsenal's lead ?
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 11, 2021
The simplest of finishes for the Brazilian after Pepe's saved shot fell to him! pic.twitter.com/R8glchBKbU
The second half was drab affair, but Arsenal eventually doubled their advantage with 20 minutes left to play. Martinelli was the scorer, tapping home after Nicolas Pepe's strike was parried by Aaron Ramsdale.
Lacazette than added some gloss to the scoreline with five minutes left to play, latching on to Thomas Partey's through-ball and stroking it past Ramsdale.
Here are your Blades and Gunners player ratings from Bramall Lane...
SHEFFIELD UNITED PLAYER RATINGS
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Aaron Ramsdale (GK) - 4/10 - Got away with one in the first half when he fired a clearance straight at Lacazette. Did not get away with one in the second half when he parried Pepe's shot straight to Martinelli.
Ethan Ampadu (CB) - 6/10 - Read the game well, registering six clearances. His passing was solid. Can tell he is a level above most of his teammates.
John Egan (CB) - 5/10 - A fairly reliable performer. Let Lacazette slip free for his third goal, though.
Enda Stevens (CB) - 5/10 - Occasionally wild in his passing. He was often the starting point for the Blades' attacks. Skinned by Pepe for the second goal.
2. Wing-backs & midfielders
George Baldock (RWB) - 5/10 - Worked his socks off for the team. Was not dribbled past all game.
John Lundstram (CM) - 4/10 - His impact was negligible. Gave the ball away for Arsenal's second goal.
Oliver Norwood (CM) - 6/10 - His team's best midfielder. He created a few chances and also broke up the play effectively.
John Fleck (CM) - 5/10 - Pretty safe in possession. He should have been a bit more positive.
Ben Osborn (LWB) - 5/10 - Full of energy. He moved into midfield after Sheffield United changed shape. Spun easily by Partey for the third goal.
3. Forwards
Oliver Burke (ST) - 4/10 - 21 touches in 65 minutes. Not a lot of them were very good either.
David McGoldrick (ST) - 5/10 - Marginally better than his strike partner, with the emphasis on marginally. Both are, quite understandably, devoid of any confidence.
4. Substitutes
Rhian Brewster - 5/10 - Another quiet cameo.
Oli McBurnie - 5/10 - Picked up a knock soon after coming on and had to go off again.
Lys Mousset - 5/10 - Missed a decent chance in the closing stages.
ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS
5. Goalkeeper & defenders
Bernd Leno (GK) - 7/10 - Forced into some fairly basic saves early on. Looked solid enough throughout.
Callum Chambers (RB) - 7/10 - A very easy shift. He was not troubled defensively and supported his side in the final third.
Rob Holding (CB) - 7/10 - Despite fielding two attackers, Sheffield United caused him very few problems. He stepped into midfield on occasion to help circulate possession.
Pablo Mari (CB) - 7/10 - Played around Sheffield United's press without too many problems, racking up a 93% pass completion rate.
Granit Xhaka (LB) - 6/10 - Did not look entirely comfortable in an unfamiliar left-back role. Better teams will exploit the space in behind him more effectively.
6. Midfielders
Thomas Partey (CM) - 7/10 - Nothing too flashy for the most part but did his job well. His pass for Lacazette's second goal was sublime.
Dani Ceballos (CM) - 7/10 - Classy. He caught the eye with his clever movement, flicks and backheels. Set up Lacazette's opener but faded as things dragged on.
Bukayo Saka (AM) - 7/10 - Added another string to his bow with an accomplished display in a central role. Involved in the buildup for the opener.
7. Forwards
Nicolas Pepe (RW) - 7/10 - Quiet in the first half but his run created Arsenal's goal after the break.
Alexandre Lacazette (ST) - 9/10 - Showed great composure to finish a fine team move. Played well with his back to goal before adding a second late on.
Gabriel Martinelli (LW) - 8/10 - Shook off an injury scare and was rewarded when he tapped home the easiest goal he will ever score minutes later. Always looked dangerous.
8. Substitutes
Willian - 6/10 - Nothing wrong with his display.
Mohamed Elneny - 6/10 - Steady.
Eddie Nketiah - N/A
Source: 90min
