You don’t know what you’ve got until you lose it they say. I am not sure about that with Hector Bellerin as he was already a firm favourite with the Arsenal fans, but the Spaniard certainly reminded us all just how important a part of the team he is with a brilliant performance coming off the bench when Mustafi picked up his hamstring injury.
Cech 6 – A bit harsh maybe but I marked him down after he failed to stop a penalty for the seventh time in a row.
Gabriel 7 – Did okay at right back but very well in his preferred central role.
Mustafi 5 – Looked solid as ever in his short time on the pitch. Get well soon.
Koscielny 7 – Commanding and in control. Hopefully will stay as strong while Mustafi is out.
Monreal 7 – Another strong game at both ends.
Coquelin 7 – Did his job well and with great discipline. Looks good with Xhaka.
Xhaka 7 – Very impressive and would score higher but for his clumsy elbow that could have been costly.
Ozil 7.5 – Great improvised header and always involved in our creative play.
Walcott 7.5 – Looked sharp and great finish for the equaliser.
Oxlade-Chamberlain 7.5 – Super pass for Ozil’s goal and is impacting games much more.
Alexis 7 – Played well without his usual match winning effect.
subs:
Bellerin 8 – Brilliant to have him back, assisted Walcott’s goal and was a constant outlet and threat.
Iwobi 7 – Good finish. Just the impact you want off the bench.
Giroud 6 – The game was already won but he looked sharp.
Bob.
I believe in the ratings but I could have give theo for his all round play, he helps Beller. And then there’s special mention Granit Xhaka ladies and gents.
Great game anyway, what a comeback. It is so cool over here at the top of the league. #COYG
Walcott MOTM all day but not undermining the impact of Bellerin from the bench. Xhaka keeps getting better each game. My only concern was not playing Lucas at all after a hat-trick in midweek. Could play psychologically on his mind.
True talk Reuben. I know Giroud brings something different to the team but at times Wenger should bring in Lucas for Sanchez.
Will like to see Gibbs and Perez start a premier league game
Bellerin and Theo are an excellent right side
I’m glad bellerin is back but also miss Cazorla. I hope Xhaka stays fit as we need him until Caz comes back.
I Agree with the ratings but would not give Mustafi such a low one
did Giroud really look ‘sharp’?
About as sharp as a seaside donkey,
Truly the players are exceptional lately but i think Bellerin MOTM is out of place, for me he could easily get a 7.5 for slotting into the vibes and getting an assist to his name.
My MOTM should easily be between Theo and Ozil and not underrating Xhaka’s display of all round brilliance both at defence and attack. Coquilen is another consistent hero of the team .
It annoys me when I see constant complainers acting like it is Wenger who has changed and they are happy he is listening to them. All these people were against players out of position, they were against Theo, and against Oxlade. All of a sudden people are writing up team sheets with Alexis up front and the English boys on the wings. Wenger has not changed, he has persevered.
It is only in the military or some other forces you tell a soldier ‘about turn’ and he turns round with both hands by his side. What would you have Xhaka do in that situation? He tried to take the ball off Allen’s foot and turned round almost immediately as he was doing so. It was quite unfortunate that while turning, it wasn’t possible for his hands to be by his side given the momentum and balance of his body. If you have played football before, you wouldn’t castigate him like that. Give him a break please.