How the Arsenal players rated in their defeat to Stoke City

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Arsenal fell to their first defeat of the Premier League season as they lost away to Stoke City. This has been a fixture that the Gunners have struggled in during recent seasons and the came unstuck once again on Saturday evening. Their attacking play was slow and they lacked the incision required to break down a determined Potters’ defence. This was the last thing that the club needed at the start of the new season. Here are how the players rated during the defeat at the Bet365 Stadium:

Petr Cech – There was nothing that the goalkeeper could do to prevent Jese from scoring at the start of the second half. It was an assured performance as he did everything that was expected from him. 6

Shkodran Mustafi – It was good to have the German back in the team and his aggression was a good addition to the defence, as he completed three tackles during the game. The worry for Arsenal going forwards is that the defender was on the ball too much in the attacking half. It didn’t suit him. 6

Nacho Monreal – Arsene Wenger made a strange decision to start with Monreal at centre-back. He worked hard, but he didn’t look a natural fit in the middle of the back three. Stoke benefited from his lack of positional sense on a few occasions. 5

Sead Kolasinac – His style of play fits the Premier League well, but he needs to be used as the left wing-back if he is to be at his most effective. The 24-year-old struggled to impact the game from his position on the pitch. 6

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – The England international worked hard and caused problems down the right-hand side. He completed seven dribbles during the match, which showed the threat that he poses when he is allowed to run with the ball. Although his final ball wasn’t the best, there was reason to be encouraged by his display. 7

Aaron Ramsey – He worked hard, but he wasn’t positive enough with his forward runs. The midfielder usually offers a threat, but his movement was off on Saturday and Arsenal were lacking ideas as a result. 5

Granit Xhaka – After an excellent creative display against Leicester City last weekend, this was an underwhelming match from the Swiss international. His distribution wasn’t as effective and he was withdrawn early by his manager. If he wants to become one of the best in the league, he needs to be more consistent. 5

Hector Bellerin – The Spaniard was a willing runner and worked hard for his team, but he doesn’t suit the left wing-back role. It was odd that Wenger opted for him over the two natural left-backs that were played in defence. Bellerin’s pace caused problems, but he couldn’t do anything with it as he kept cutting inside into the centre and was easy to read. It narrowed the pitch for Arsenal and made it easier for Stoke to defend. 5

Mesut Ozil – It was another encouraging display from the German, as his passing was positive and he offered more of a threat than he did last season. He completed more key passes than anyone else on the pitch with four. If he continues to play at this level, the goals and assists will come. 6

Danny Welbeck – The forward worked his socks off for the team and he caused problems for the Stoke defence with his movement. However, his poor finishing cost his team on a few occasions. He never looks comfortable in front of goal and that is a problem. 5

Alexandre Lacazette – He was lively in his movement and came close to getting an equaliser, but he was a fraction offside. There were a few occasions where his touch was slightly off, but he did come up against a well-organised defence. 5

Olivier Giroud – The Frenchman is a weapon from the bench and he did okay after coming on. His movement and aerial presence meant that he did threaten. There was a good chance for him late in the game, but he snatched at it. 6

Alex Iwobi – The winger was disappointing after coming on as he continued to opt for the easy pass rather than try to make something happen. He wasn’t willing to take risks and that meant that he didn’t make an impact at all.  4

Theo Walcott – He rarely got on the ball and when he did, he looked off the pace. A disappointing cameo and another substitute to not make an impact. 5