The winning goal that Olivier Giroud scored for Arsenal away top Preston in the FA cup was vital and well taken and so was it played a big part in my award of Man of the Match to the France international, but he also played a crucial role in the build up and our captain for the night was one of the players on the field trying to get the Gunners going after an awful start.
Ospina 6 – Couldn’t do much for the goal and stood up under big pressure.
Maitland-Niles 6 – Very bad start but the youngster was not helped by teammates and did improve a lot.
Gabriel 4 – Error strewn and petulant performance from the erratic Brazilian.
Mustafi 6 – A few mistakes but he got no help from those around him and a crucial goal saving block.
Monreal 5 – Good clearance off line but in general very below par.
Xhaka 5 – We needed to see more control and aggression. Passed ball well.
Ramsey 6 – Great goal and tried hard nut needs match sharpness.
Iwobi 6.5 – Good movement, technical ability and vision. Assisted Ramsey’s goal.
Oxlade-Chamberlain – A lot of huff and puff and tracking back but little impact.
Lucas Perez 6 – Great touch for Giroud’s goal and some good stuff but also some poor decisions and passing.
Giroud 7 – Hardly saw him in first half but he came good again and showed real fight.
subs:
Welbeck 6 – Great to see Danny back and nearly marked it with good goal.
Holding and Reine-Adelaide – No time.
Bob.