ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS: Bernd Leno 6 - The German goalkeeper didn’t have too much to deal with as he watched Villarreal’s best shooting opportunities go through comfortable channels for easy saves. AFP
ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS: Bernd Leno 6 - The German goalkeeper didn’t have too much to deal with as he watched Villarreal’s best shooting opportunities go through comfortable channels for easy saves. AFP
Hector Bellerin 7 - Frequent runs up the flank helped Arsenal advance up the field and the right-back looked to have assisted the opening goal before Aubameyang headed against the post. AFP
Hector Bellerin 7 - Frequent runs up the flank helped Arsenal advance up the field and the right-back looked to have assisted the opening goal before Aubameyang headed against the post. AFP
Rob Holding 6 - No mistakes in defence and the defender almost opened the scoring after a powerful header went narrowly wide of the goal. PA
Rob Holding 6 - No mistakes in defence and the defender almost opened the scoring after a powerful header went narrowly wide of the goal. PA
Pablo Mari 7 - A good display in the air saw Mari deal with the majority of balls into the box. The 27-year-old also transitioned the ball well with balls out to the flanks. A stand-out performer on Thursday night. EPA
Pablo Mari 7 - A good display in the air saw Mari deal with the majority of balls into the box. The 27-year-old also transitioned the ball well with balls out to the flanks. A stand-out performer on Thursday night. EPA
Kieran Tierney 6 - The Scottish defender found Pepe with an intricate flick after the restart and looked brighter after Chukwueze was withdrawn. The 23-year-old’s pressure against Moreno may have kept the game in the balance when presented with Villarreal’s best chance of the game. Reuters
Kieran Tierney 6 - The Scottish defender found Pepe with an intricate flick after the restart and looked brighter after Chukwueze was withdrawn. The 23-year-old’s pressure against Moreno may have kept the game in the balance when presented with Villarreal’s best chance of the game. Reuters
Emile Smith-Rowe 8 - The 20-year-old understood the occasion and played with intent, getting into good areas and moving the ball on to maintain an aggressive tempo with Arsenal requiring a goal to go through. Almost scored after dinking narrowly wide of the post but was unfortunate to be on the losing side. Reuters
Emile Smith-Rowe 8 - The 20-year-old understood the occasion and played with intent, getting into good areas and moving the ball on to maintain an aggressive tempo with Arsenal requiring a goal to go through. Almost scored after dinking narrowly wide of the post but was unfortunate to be on the losing side. Reuters
Thomas Partey 5 - A sloppy foul on the edge of the box gave Villarreal a free kick in a dangerous area which began a difficult night for the Ghanaian who was isolated in midfield. Though Mikel Arteta can be forgiven for a more attacking line up with Arsenal requiring to win to advance. Reuters
Thomas Partey 5 - A sloppy foul on the edge of the box gave Villarreal a free kick in a dangerous area which began a difficult night for the Ghanaian who was isolated in midfield. Though Mikel Arteta can be forgiven for a more attacking line up with Arsenal requiring to win to advance. Reuters
Nicolas Pepe 6 - The Ivorian winger clearly has the magic but Villarreal’s stubborn shape made it hard for both Arsenal wingers on the night. A frustrating evening. PA
Nicolas Pepe 6 - The Ivorian winger clearly has the magic but Villarreal’s stubborn shape made it hard for both Arsenal wingers on the night. A frustrating evening. PA
Martin Odegaard 6 - Kept the play ticking but not much else from the Norwegian attacking midfielder. Whether it’s cadence or chemistry, the on-loan Real Madrid midfielder isn’t shining much in Arteta’s system. Getty Images
Martin Odegaard 6 - Kept the play ticking but not much else from the Norwegian attacking midfielder. Whether it’s cadence or chemistry, the on-loan Real Madrid midfielder isn’t shining much in Arteta’s system. Getty Images
Bukayo Saka 6 - Looked to attack the Villarreal defence but the final ball of the young winger wasn’t there. A disappointing display from the winger who normally causes problems for the defence. AP
Bukayo Saka 6 - Looked to attack the Villarreal defence but the final ball of the young winger wasn’t there. A disappointing display from the winger who normally causes problems for the defence. AP
Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang 6 - The woodwork wasn’t on the side of the forward with Aubameyang striking against the post on two occasions. The 31-year-old made the most of little service throughout the game but couldn’t find the net. Reuters
Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang 6 - The woodwork wasn’t on the side of the forward with Aubameyang striking against the post on two occasions. The 31-year-old made the most of little service throughout the game but couldn’t find the net. Reuters
SUBS: Gabriel Martinelli (Odegaard, 66) 6 - A positive move by Arteta but Martinelli seemed to face the same issues Pepe had with Villarreal isolating Arsenal’s attackers quickly. Getty Images
SUBS: Gabriel Martinelli (Odegaard, 66) 6 - A positive move by Arteta but Martinelli seemed to face the same issues Pepe had with Villarreal isolating Arsenal’s attackers quickly. Getty Images
Willian (Tierney, 80) N/R - Almost unnoticeable after being introduced in the 80th minute. Reuters
Willian (Tierney, 80) N/R - Almost unnoticeable after being introduced in the 80th minute. Reuters
Alexandre Lacazette (Aubameyang, 80) N/R - Just as isolated as Aubameyang was with Pau Torres and Raul Albiol keeping the Frenchman quiet. Reuters
Alexandre Lacazette (Aubameyang, 80) N/R - Just as isolated as Aubameyang was with Pau Torres and Raul Albiol keeping the Frenchman quiet. Reuters
Eddie Nketiah (Bellerin, 91) N/R - Not much the forward could do with the game becoming stop-start in the final minutes. Getty Images
Eddie Nketiah (Bellerin, 91) N/R - Not much the forward could do with the game becoming stop-start in the final minutes. Getty Images
VILLARREAL PLAYER RATINGS: Geronimo Rulli 5 - Almost made a mess of an Aubameyang shot in the first half and then nearly gifted a goal to Smith-Rowe when failing to deal with a cross. EPA
VILLARREAL PLAYER RATINGS: Geronimo Rulli 5 - Almost made a mess of an Aubameyang shot in the first half and then nearly gifted a goal to Smith-Rowe when failing to deal with a cross. EPA
Mario Gaspar 6 - Dealt well with Pepe who often tried to get at the defender. Could have supported Yeremi Pino more who looked to be struggling to create much on the right flank, though Unai Emery’s side were only interested in counter-attacks. AP
Mario Gaspar 6 - Dealt well with Pepe who often tried to get at the defender. Could have supported Yeremi Pino more who looked to be struggling to create much on the right flank, though Unai Emery’s side were only interested in counter-attacks. AP
Raul Albiol 7 - Alert to the danger as the Spanish centre-back looked to deal with Arsenal threats quickly and got in the way of a number of balls which asked questions of the Villarreal defence. Getty Images
Raul Albiol 7 - Alert to the danger as the Spanish centre-back looked to deal with Arsenal threats quickly and got in the way of a number of balls which asked questions of the Villarreal defence. Getty Images
Pau Torres 7 - Commanded the defence well alongside Albiol with Arsenal rarely getting a chance to shoot inside the box on the night. Helped clear some crosses which Rulli didn’t look comfortable dealing with. AP
Pau Torres 7 - Commanded the defence well alongside Albiol with Arsenal rarely getting a chance to shoot inside the box on the night. Helped clear some crosses which Rulli didn’t look comfortable dealing with. AP
Alfonso Pedraza 7 - A strong display on both ends of the pitch as the left-back defended well against a difficult matchup of Saka and Bellerin. AFP
Alfonso Pedraza 7 - A strong display on both ends of the pitch as the left-back defended well against a difficult matchup of Saka and Bellerin. AFP
Francis Coquelin 6 - Careless play in the 70th-minute gave Arsenal a free-kick in a dangerous situation. A good block against Bellerin inside the box helped prevent what would have been a dangerous moment in the game for Villarreal. AFP
Francis Coquelin 6 - Careless play in the 70th-minute gave Arsenal a free-kick in a dangerous situation. A good block against Bellerin inside the box helped prevent what would have been a dangerous moment in the game for Villarreal. AFP
Dani Parejo 6 - Came close with a freekick but spent the majority of the game defending and was often in the way of Arsenal attempts from outside the box. Reuters
Dani Parejo 6 - Came close with a freekick but spent the majority of the game defending and was often in the way of Arsenal attempts from outside the box. Reuters
Manu Trigueros 6 - The 29-year-old is usually one of Villarreal’s stand-out players but he wasn’t as influential, with Arsenal applying pressure in the second half. Helped out the defence well against Arsenal’s overlapping runs. Reuters
Manu Trigueros 6 - The 29-year-old is usually one of Villarreal’s stand-out players but he wasn’t as influential, with Arsenal applying pressure in the second half. Helped out the defence well against Arsenal’s overlapping runs. Reuters
Paco Alcacer 6 - Worked hard and helped get the ball to Moreno but it was a quiet display overall from the forward. Eventually replaced by Carlos Bacca. Getty Images
Paco Alcacer 6 - Worked hard and helped get the ball to Moreno but it was a quiet display overall from the forward. Eventually replaced by Carlos Bacca. Getty Images
Gerard Moreno 6 - Could have put Villarreal in front but a tame effort rolled into the hands of Leno. A poor effort which the striker prioritised over passing to the overlapping run. AFP
Gerard Moreno 6 - Could have put Villarreal in front but a tame effort rolled into the hands of Leno. A poor effort which the striker prioritised over passing to the overlapping run. AFP
Samuel Chukwueze 7 - Warned Arsenal early on with a curling effort saved by Leno. The Nigerian winger was one of Villarreal’s brightest sparks before being stretchered off with an injury. Getty Images
Samuel Chukwueze 7 - Warned Arsenal early on with a curling effort saved by Leno. The Nigerian winger was one of Villarreal’s brightest sparks before being stretchered off with an injury. Getty Images
SUBS: Yeremi Pino (Chukwueze, 30) 6 - The 18-year-old worked hard but it was always a difficult task to replace the influence of Chukwueze. Looked bright in spells but didn’t really threaten Tierney. Reuters
SUBS: Yeremi Pino (Chukwueze, 30) 6 - The 18-year-old worked hard but it was always a difficult task to replace the influence of Chukwueze. Looked bright in spells but didn’t really threaten Tierney. Reuters
Carlos Bacca (Alcacer, 73) N/R - Not much to do with Villarreal defending the game out but worked hard for Unai Emery’s side. EPA
Carlos Bacca (Alcacer, 73) N/R - Not much to do with Villarreal defending the game out but worked hard for Unai Emery’s side. EPA
Alberto Moreno (Alfonso Pedraza, 91) N/R - Introduced to help defend against Arsenal’s late flurry. Pedraza looked to be tired after a solid performance. Reuters
Alberto Moreno (Alfonso Pedraza, 91) N/R - Introduced to help defend against Arsenal’s late flurry. Pedraza looked to be tired after a solid performance. Reuters
Moi Gomez (Yeremi Pino, 91) N/R - On for the youngster who made his way back off the field with the midfielder on to see out the game. PA
Moi Gomez (Yeremi Pino, 91) N/R - On for the youngster who made his way back off the field with the midfielder on to see out the game. PA

Football

Arsenal v Villarreal player ratings: Emile Smith-Rowe a rare bright spark for Gunners as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang fails to deliver

A goalless draw at Emirates Stadium sends La Liga side through to Europa League final after 2-1 win in first leg

Adam Brown

May 07, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Villarreal held out for a 0-0 draw on a nerve-jangling night away to Arsenal to reach the Europa League final on Thursday with a 2-1 aggregate victory.

The Spanish side protected their first-leg advantage with a disciplined display, riding their luck at times with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang twice hitting the post for the hosts.

Villarreal survived five minutes of stoppage time as Arsenal tried in vain to keep their season alive, celebrating wildly at the end as the club reached their first European final.

It was a momentous night for Villarreal manager Unai Emery who was sacked by Arsenal in 2019. He now has the chnace to win the Europa Leaguye for a fourth time when Villarreal take on Manchester United in the final in Gdansk later this month.

Reflecting on the performances at the Emirates Stadium, Adam Brown has provided his player ratings in the photo gallery above. To move on to the next photo, click on the arrows or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.

BMW M5 specs

Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor

Power: 727hp

Torque: 1,000Nm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh650,000

More from Firas Maksad
On Women's Day
While you're here
While you're here
Sukuk explained

Sukuk are Sharia-compliant financial certificates issued by governments, corporates and other entities. While as an asset class they resemble conventional bonds, there are some significant differences. As interest is prohibited under Sharia, sukuk must contain an underlying transaction, for example a leaseback agreement, and the income that is paid to investors is generated by the underlying asset. Investors must also be prepared to share in both the profits and losses of an enterprise. Nevertheless, sukuk are similar to conventional bonds in that they provide regular payments, and are considered less risky than equities. Most investors would not buy sukuk directly due to high minimum subscriptions, but invest via funds.

TOURNAMENT INFO

Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier

Jul 3- 14, in the Netherlands
The top two teams will qualify to play at the World T20 in the West Indies in November

UAE squad
Humaira Tasneem (captain), Chamani Seneviratne, Subha Srinivasan, Neha Sharma, Kavisha Kumari, Judit Cleetus, Chaya Mughal, Roopa Nagraj, Heena Hotchandani, Namita D’Souza, Ishani Senevirathne, Esha Oza, Nisha Ali, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi

Kareem Shaheen on Canada
UAE currency
Whiile you're here
'The Lost Daughter'

Director: Maggie Gyllenhaal

Starring: Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Dakota Johnson

Rating: 4/5

Indoor cricket in a nutshell

Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sep 16-20, Insportz, Dubai

16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side

8 There are eight players per team

9 There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.

5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls

4 Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership

Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.

Zones

A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs

B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run

C Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs

D Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full

War 2

Director: Ayan Mukerji

Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana

Rating: 2/5

Sly%20Cooper%20and%20the%20Thievius%20Raccoonus
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sucker%20Punch%20Productions%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sony%20Computer%20Entertainment%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsole%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PlayStation%202%20to%205%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
2017%20RESULTS%3A%20FRENCH%20VOTERS%20IN%20UK
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFirst%20round%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EEmmanuel%20Macron%3A%2051.1%25%3Cbr%3EFrancois%20Fillon%3A%2024.2%25%3Cbr%3EJean-Luc%20Melenchon%3A%2011.8%25%3Cbr%3EBenoit%20Hamon%3A%207.0%25%3Cbr%3EMarine%20Le%20Pen%3A%202.9%25%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESecond%20round%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EEmmanuel%20Macron%3A%2095.1%25%3Cbr%3EMarine%20Le%20Pen%3A%204.9%25%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here
Company profile

Name: Steppi

Founders: Joe Franklin and Milos Savic

Launched: February 2020

Size: 10,000 users by the end of July and a goal of 200,000 users by the end of the year

Employees: Five

Based: Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai

Financing stage: Two seed rounds – the first sourced from angel investors and the founders' personal savings

Second round raised Dh720,000 from silent investors in June this year

If you go

Flights

Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh with a stop in Yangon from Dh3,075, and Etihad flies from Abu Dhabi to Phnom Penh with its partner Bangkok Airlines from Dh2,763. These trips take about nine hours each and both include taxes. From there, a road transfer takes at least four hours; airlines including KC Airlines (www.kcairlines.com) offer quick connecting flights from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville from about $100 (Dh367) return including taxes. Air Asia, Malindo Air and Malaysian Airlines fly direct from Kuala Lumpur to Sihanoukville from $54 each way. Next year, direct flights are due to launch between Bangkok and Sihanoukville, which will cut the journey time by a third.

The stay

Rooms at Alila Villas Koh Russey (www.alilahotels.com/ kohrussey) cost from $385 per night including taxes.

GIANT REVIEW

Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan

Director: Athale

Rating: 4/5

Results:

2.15pm: Handicap (PA) Dh60,000 1,200m.

Winner: AZ Dhabyan, Adam McLean (jockey), Saleha Al Ghurair (trainer).

2.45pm: Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 1,200m.

Winner: Ashton Tourettes, Sam Hitchcott, Ibrahim Aseel.

3.15pm: Conditions (PA) Dh60,000 2,000m.

Winner: Hareer Al Reef, Gerald Avranche, Abdallah Al Hammadi.

3.45pm: Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 1,700m.

Winner: Kenz Al Reef, Gerald Avranche, Abdallah Al Hammadi.

4.15pm: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup (TB) Dh 200,000 1,700m.

Winner: Mystique Moon, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson.

4.45pm: The Crown Prince Of Sharjah Cup Prestige (PA) Dh200,000 1,200m.

Winner: ES Ajeeb, Sam Hitchcott, Ibrahim Aseel.

SportFootball