How did Arsenal's players rate in their 4-1 victory over Sunderland?

By grvadmin

Arsenal hit four past Sunderland on Saturday, in what turned out to be a comfortable win for the away side, as the misery continued for the Black Cats.

Alexis Sanchez and impact substitute Olivier Giroud scored twice each as the Gunners went clear at the top of the table, with Jermain Defoe giving Sunderland brief hope with an equaliser from the penalty spot.

With Nacho Monreal, Santi Cazorla, Theo Walcott and Granit Xhaka missing, Kieran Gibbs, Mohamed Elneny, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all came in with Aaron Ramsey and Giroud returning from injury to the bench.

Here’s how all the Arsenal players rated in the 4-1 win:

Petr Cech – 6/10

Didn’t have too much to do during the game except having to deal with a few crosses, but his afternoon was marred when he brought down Duncan Watmore to give away a penalty. The Czech received a yellow for his trouble, and the resulting penalty was tucked away by Defoe. Difficult therefore to receive a high score.

Hector Bellerin – 7/10

Another consistent performance from the Spaniard, always offering an option going forward and a natural ability to defend at the back.

Shkodran Mustafi – 6/10

Brought the ball forward on many occasions superbly, but twice he found himself misjudging a bounce which resulted in chances for Sunderland. His second misjudgement resulted in Watmore eventually receiving a penalty.

Laurent Koscielny – 7/10

The captain hardly put a foot wrong as he led with example. Intercepted brilliantly and looked a threat in the opposition box.

Kieran Gibbs – 8/10

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In for the injured Monreal, and put in his best performance in a long time. Intercepted, looked strong, and was an absolute menace going forward, assisting Giroud for his first goal and hitting the post himself late on.

Francis Coquelin – 7/10

Another solid performance from the Frenchman. Broke up many Sunderland attacks and looks a sure thing to start against Spurs next week.

Mohamed Elneny – 7/10

Assured and confident, there is nothing to critice about both defensive midfielders in the Arsenal line-up. Elneny seemed to have more touches than anyone and looked impressive in breaking up attacks.

Alex Iwobi – 6/10

Not his best performance in an Arsenal shirt, but not his worst either. Showed desire to get back and defend, and was a threat going forward. Had two shots in the first half which were both good efforts.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6/10

After a good goal scoring record recently, this was a disappointment compared to his recent standards. Missed a fair few opportunities and looked disappointed with himself when he was taken off. However, he did provide a beautiful cross-assist for Alexis’ first goal.

Mesut Ozil – 7/10

Solid performance from the German. Created many opportunities, and put in a perfect corner for the head of Giroud late on. Missed a good chance in the first half when he failed to get the height on a chip, but overall it was another exciting display.

Alexis Sanchez – 9/10

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Incredible performance, the Chilean seemed to be everywhere. He was constantly creating opportunities, or spinning defenders, or simple running with the ball. Scored two and could have had more, including a penalty. By far the best player on the pitch and seemed quicker with his feet than anyone. Out of three efforts, he converted two. Man of the Match.

Substitutes:

Olivier Giroud – 8/10

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The big Frenchman seemed to only have two touches but he scored them both and looked only a few minutes away from getting a hat-trick. He now looks ready to fight for a position in the starting-11 and give Arsenal another option.

Aaron Ramsey – 6/10

Came on when the game was safe, but still looked assured and made an impact.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles – N/A

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Emrah Partal