There were quite a few candidates among the Arsenal players for the Man of the Match award, for me, with Ospina, Bellerin, Giroud, Rosicky, Cazorla and Alexis all having big games but I have gone for Francis Coquelin because he held the team together as we needed to stay firm before and after taking the lead.
Ospina 7 – Did little wrong, made some good saves, punches and catches but I marked him down for not moving to save Austen´s shot.
Bellerin 7.5 – Seriously lively and a real danger with his pace and direct attacking down the right and should have had an assist when Ozil was pulled back.
Mertesacker 6.5 – Good return from the German, did nothing wrong.
Gabriel 6 – Still adapting to Premier League but did alright before pulling up and being subbed.
Koscielny 6 – Was generally good under pressure but was partly at fault for the QPR goal.
Gibbs 6- Very good going forward and worked hard but was also at fault for goal.
Coquelin 8 – You´ve got to love him. He was everywhere, never backed down, marshalled the team and also helped turn defence into attack. Keep it up lad.
Rosicky 7 – Struggled a bit to start with QPR pressing but came more into the game and tied them in knots at times. Lively and dangerous.
Cazorla 7 – What you would expect from the little man, involved in most things and getting stuck in when needed.
Ozil 7 – He is not a tackler but worked hard and oozes class.
Alexis 7.5 – Worked hard and gave QPR no rest all night but was not the sharpest up front until that wonder solo goal.
Giroud 7 – Struggled to get into the game for much of it but was willing and scored a real poachers goal.