After a disjointed and error-strewn first half for Arsenal, Napoli’s two-goal lead at half time was cancelled out late on as Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny completed Arsenal’s comeback in the 87^th minute.

Lukasz Fabianski – 5 – Couldn’t do much to prevent Lorenzo Insigne’s opening goal, but was arguably at fault when a poorly judged attempt to intercept a Napoli through ball lead to Goran Pandev rounding the keeper and finishing from an acute angle.

Carl Jenkinson – 5 – Was at fault for Napoli’s first goal when an aerial through ball from Gokhan Inler was poorly headed away from danger allowing Lorenzo Insigne to volley the ball home. Otherwise a solid performance.

Per Mertesacker (C) – 6 – Perhaps his lack of pace was exploited for Napoli’s second goal. Was a good captain on the day though, providing a surprising attacking threat also from crosses and set pieces. A strong centre-back partnership with Laurent Koscielny continues to impress.

Laurent Koscielny – 8 – The best player on the field, however arguably out of position for Napoli’s second goal. Otherwise was a dominant performance. Was lightning-quick with good decision-making in defence, and showed real desire to score a headed goal completing Arsenal’s comeback. Kept Gonzalo Higuain quiet, much to the Arsenal fan’s relief. Consistently one of Arsenal’s key men.

Kieran Gibbs – 6 – Not at fault for either of Napoli’s goals. Was strong and reliable in defence as well as overlapping down Arsenal’s left side to much success throughout the game.

Aaron Ramsey – 6 – Not one of his most dominant performances, and along with Jack Wilshere was overrun in midfield throughout the first half, leading to Napoli’s two goals. Solid otherwise though.

Jack Wilshere – 6 – Continues to make a recovery from injury but was surprisingly anonymous until being substituted, with a few glimpses of quality. Wilshere and Ramsey seemed worryingly unable to play together effectively in midfield.

Tomas Rosicky – 7 – Arsenal’s liveliest player on the day. Good in possession and often looked to run at the Napoli defence feeding Giroud with through balls.

Lukas Podolski – 4 – A below par performance, with many instances of poor decision-making and giving the ball away. Had a lacklustre penalty saved early on, with this seemingly setting the tone for the rest of the German’s match. Had a few good chances however, and played a part in Arsenal’s success down the left side of the field along with Kieran Gibbs.

Serge Gnabry – 7 – Gave the right side of Arsenal’s attack some flair and acceleration, with a few good chances created from crosses. Considering he is only 18, he didn’t seem out of his depth and many fans felt disappointed when he was substituted for Theo Walcott.

Olivier Giroud – 7 – An audacious bicycle kick deflecting off Bacary Sagna scored the goal that started Arsenal’s comeback in the 72^nd minute. Held the ball up well to maintain attacking pressure on Napoli’s defenders and linked well with the other players. Showed a lack of clinical finishing however, wasting various good chances.

Bacary Sagna – 6 – Replaced Carl Jenkinson in the 56^th minute and showed his experience and class to control Napoli’s attackers better than Jenkinson did in the first half.

Mikel Arteta – 7 – Replaced Jack Wilshere in the 64^th minute and quickly improved Arsenal’s midfield, helping to instigate the comeback. Played simple football, broke up Napoli’s attacks and created a strong backbone that was missing in the first half.

Theo Walcott – 6 – Replaced Serge Gnabry in the 56^th minute and offered little more than the youngster could have. Created a few good chances and had one or two tame shots of his own cutting in from the right flank.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7 – Replaced Aaron Ramsey in the 63^rd minute and helped improve Arsenal’s attack with his direct style of play. Took on defenders, shot at goal, and proved to be a menace for Napoli’s back four.

Chuba Akpom –  N/A – Replaced Lukas Podolski in the 88^th minute and despite not being on the field for long beat a defender only to be fouled, from which Arsenal nearly scored the winning goal in added time.

From an observer’s point of view, this was clearly a pre-season friendly. The players had clearly not played a competitive game for a while, and the presence of a more defence-minded midfielder was what was missing in the first half of the game. Encouraging performances from the youngsters.

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