This FA cup semi-final win came through a hard working if not exactly free flowing Arsenal performance. We held firm despite being second best in the first half and managed to win in extra time thanks to a few strong individual showings from the likes of Gabriel and Holding, but for his overall contribution including the brilliant cross for Monreal’s leveller I gave my Man of the Match pick to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Cech 6 – Could have done more to stop Aguero opener but generally in control.
Gabriel 8 – Best performance from him in some time. Strong and committed.
Koscielny 7 – Missed a couple of tackles but still pretty good.
Holding 7.5 – Very good defensive display but should have scored that free header.
Xhaka 7 – Better from the Swiss but could still do more to control the centre.
Ramsey 6.5 – Got better but still rusty and making mistakes.
Monreal 7.5 – Great goal and good all round game down the left.
Oxlade-Chamberlain 8.5 – Dynamic and energetic display with key assist and plenty of good football.
Ozil 7 – Struggled to impact the game as much as usual but worked hard and played okay.
Alexis 7.5 – Not a lot of impact but came up with crucial winner.
Giroud 6 – Not a great game from the Frenchman.
subs:
Welbeck 7 – Impressive and dangerous off the bench. Decision making just let him down at times.
Bellerin and Coquelin 6 – Helped to see the game out in their short spells.
Bob.