History has repeated itself: in a repeat of last year’s feat, three English Premier League clubs are in the Champions League semi-finals. Goals by Theo Walcott (pictured),
Emmanuel Adebayor, and Robin van Persie took the Gunners into the semi-finals in style and ensured a substantial boost to the players’ ratings.
Young Theo Walcott racked in 27.98 rating points in the game, boosting his rating to 125.46 points. He is now firmly in the Youth Top 23 (players under 21). Walcott was set up for his opener by a thrilling assist from Cesc Fabregas. The 20-year-old chipped the ball elegantly over Villarreal goalkeeper Diego Lopez.
Togo international Emmanuel Adebayor added the crucial second at the 60th minute after being handsomely set up by Robin van Persie. Adebayor netted 25 rating points in the game, taking his overall rating to 189.93 points. He remains on of the top contenders for the top spot in the Africa Top 23 rating of best players.
The last nail in the coffin of Villarreal was hammered in by van Persie himself. The Dutch international collected a little under 25 rating points in the game, boosting his overall rating to 139.88 points.
© FTBL