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Arsenal have four players in the worst XI of midweek Premier League action, with Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli joined by the Chelsea captain.
Here are the Worst XI from Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday’s Premier League action, second WhoScored ratings…
GOALKEEPER: Sam Johnstone – 5.62
The Palace goalkeeper has waited a long time for his opportunity but faces nervous anticipation to see if he will keep his place on Saturday after a nasty mistake gifted Wolves a late penalty. He should be suspended with a red card on his record after lunging after a poor first touch, but Robert Jones appeared to be taking pity on the former England stopper.
RB: Cesar Azpilicueta – 5.58
In his first Premier League appearance in over two months, the Chelsea captain scored an own goal against Brentford before being caught off guard at half-time. In 45 minutes he only got one more accurate pass than the 10 times he gave away possession.
CB: Gabriel Magalhaes – 5.45
He lost four of his six duels as Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland performed poorly in Arsenal’s back four. He failed to counter all evening despite City’s dominance.
CB: Joachim Andersen – 5.44
The Palace midfielder made sure his own goal counted after three minutes by putting it over the line for the second time when the ball bounced out after hitting the post. Andersen was replaced at half-time, not because he was a burden but because of an injury, which Roy Hodgson hopes he has eased before the weekend’s clash with West Ham.
LB: Pervis Estupinan – 5.36
The Ecuadorian endured one of his shakiest performances, needlessly conceding a penalty when it lurched into his own box, although Jason Steele saved it by saving Brennan Johnson’s effort. Substituted midway through the second half after 120 minutes at Wembley on Sunday.
CM: Albert Sambi – 5.94
The Palace midfielder had little impact in the defeat to Wolves, though he was denied by a brilliant first-half save from Jose Sa. Other than that, not a tackle or duel won and no crux or long pass completed.
CM: Moises Caicedo – 5.66
Another Seagull slightly below his best, perhaps as a result of their disappointment in the FA semi-final. Caicedo was involved, with 111 touches, 82 passes and four shots, but one of 11 turnovers gave Forest the ball to score the second goal.
CAM: Martin Odegaard – 5.94
The Arsenal captain’s creative influence and intelligent pressing have been a major factor in the Gunners’ success this season, but Kevin De Bruyne has placed him in the shadows at the Etihad. Defensively, he offered just one tackle as City raced around their visitors, while going forward, one key pass was all he could muster.
Read more: 16 conclusions on Man City 4-1 Arsenal: De Bruyne and Haaland let loose as Gunners fold
RW: Bukayo Saka – 6.01
Retired along with Gabriel Jesus with 10 minutes to go when Mikel Arteta waved the white flag. Before that, Saka didn’t handle any key passes or crosses as he lost two-thirds of his nine duels.
AS: Gabriel Martinelli – 5.95
Six precise passes and 11 touches in an hour spent in Kyle Walker’s pocket at the Etihad.
FWD: Carlos Alcaraz – 5.80
The Saints striker was superb for 45 minutes at Arsenal last Friday before being retired at half-time. But in the 90 minutes against Bournemouth, Alcaraz was anonymous. One off-target effort was all he could muster losing 10 of his 12 duels and giving the ball to cherries 14 times.
