I know that the TV pundits gave it to Alexis Sanchez, and not many Arsenal fans will disagree after the Chilean international scored both goals for the Gunners in our narrow and hard fought win over Reading. But Alexis was not at his best and struggled for much of the game, while I thought Mesut Ozil was our best player and the only one who kept a cool head and kept the ball under severe pressure.
Szczesny 5.5 – Despite the tough test given us, the keeper did not have too many saves to make but could have done better with the goal and was poor with his distribution.
Debuchy 5.5 – I know he has not played for ages but the Frenchman still struggled with the pace of the game, was beaten a few times and offered little going forward. He did keep going and put in a real shift though.
Mertesacker 6.5 – Recovered after a shaky start, should have scored and did little wrong before going off.
Koscielny 7.5 – We really needed a warrior in the back four and the Frenchman was it.
Gibbs 6.5 – Did look rusty at times but was a much bigger threat going forward than Debuchy and linked up well.
Coquelin 7.5 – The fact that we now expect this tireless and battling stuff from the young DM shows just how high his standards and consistency now are. We would have lost without him, no doubt.
Cazorla 7 – Yes he did some good things but too often lost the ball under pressure.
Ramsey 6 – Maybe not his fault as played out of position on right but ran into trouble and came inside too much and that MISS?!?
Alexis 8 – His first goal and his drive and desire were brilliant but there was not enough quality and got a bit lucky with the second. He got us into the final though and we are lucky to have him.
Ozil 8.5 – I just love watching our German these days as he is smooth as silk and now has a bit of steel as well.
Welbeck 7 – Worked hard in a thankless task for much of the game as the play was too congested.
subs:
Gabriel 6 – Did well defensively but should have scored at least one of his free headers.
Giroud 7 – Made a big difference with his power, aerial ability and link up play. Most improved Gunner ever?
Walcott 6.5 – Theo must wonder why he was not on earlier and Wenger may agree after his late influence.