Arsenal won the Community Shield yesterday and Jose Mourinho showed his true sulky self by throwing his losers medal into the crowd. Arsene Wenger could have gloated more but showed his class by letting the result speak for itself rather than Jose’s histrionics in defeat…
Petr Cech – 8
Our superconfident stopper didn’t have much to do, but kept the defence calm and relaxed when Chelsea threatened.
Hector Bellerin – 6.5
Possibly our weakest link defensively, but moved up and down the flanks showing promise at times. A few good passes and I think he will improve as the season progresses.
Laurent Koscielny – 8
As always the marshall in defence. Him and Cech are destined for geat things together this season.
Per Mertesacker – 7
The jury is still out but there is no doubt that Le Boss makes Per look better than he is. I expect him to be slowly eased to the bench this season with Gabriel appearing more regularly.
Nacho Monreal – 7.5
As usual did his job solidly without looking spectacular or ever perturbed. Will be first choice this season I am certain.
Francis Coquelin – 8
Carried on where he left last season. was not letting Chelsea intimidate him at any point and earned his expected yellow card although others may have deserved it more.
Santi Cazorla – 8
He’s here, he’s there, he’s every bloody where! Expect more great things this season.
Oxlade-Chamberlain – 8.5
His finish to slide it past Courtois was nothing short of spectacular. This could be his breakthrough season if we can keep him fit.
Ramsey – 7.5
Always involved and finding spaces in a congested game. Needs a bit of time to find his scoring boots again.
Ozil – 7
Looked a little overawed and suntanned to start with, but gradually became more influential as the game progressed. Will improve Iam sure.
Walcott – 7
Given his favoured centre-forward role over Giroud in the hope he could prise open the Chelsea defence. Tried hard but wasn’t given much space to run into. Maybe he will do better against slowerteams.
Subs
Giroud – 7
Not much improvement on Walcott given that we were on the defence.
Arteta – 6
Baffling substitution!
Gibbs – 6
Can’t really rate him on 8 minutes play but he had a golden opportunity to score, but Courtois foiled him.
Arsene Wenger – 9
Le Prof finally has the squad and tactics to beat Mourinho. Nowhe knows the secret can we hope for more of the same during the season proper?