Arsenal Player Ratings Against Stoke City – A Crucial Win For The Gunners As Alexis Sanchez Shines

It was a very crucial win for Arsenal against Stoke City, a team which beat them in the first leg of the league campaign not so long ago. This win got them to 5th place, just three points away from 4th place, and also saw key player Mesut Ozil return from injury. It was a great all round performance by the Gunners as they gave a good measure of themselves at Emirates to remind everyone of their powers. Here are the player ratings for Arsenal.

David Ospina: 7/10

He was barely tested for the game as Arsenal dominated proceedings as Stoke found it increasingly difficult to build meaningful attacks. Had one good stop towards the end.

Hector Bellerin: 7/10

He came on for an injured Debuchy and played well with his attacking prowess. He is making full use of these chances that are popping up.

Per Mertesacker: 7/10

He has been under fire in recent times for sluggish performances but he was sharp against Crouch and Co.  Helped the team maintain a cleansheet.

Laurent Koscielny: 8/10

He had a very consistent game and maintained solidity at the back. Also scored a good goal to mark a great day.

Nacho Monreal: 7.5/10

He worked very hard in defending and was up to the physical challenge of facing Stoke City. Had a solid game.

Francis Coquelin: 7.5/10

He made the team on his own merit after consistent displays. He didn’t disappoint his boss and stepped up with a good, assured performance that would give Arsenal’s defensive midfield a little boost.

Santi Cazorla: 8/10

He had a great game and dominated proceedings from the middle of the park. He had a lively link up with Alexis Sanchez throughout the game hence contributing to a good win.

Tomas Rosicky: 7.5/10

The Czech had a good day out on the pitch as he proved that age is just a number. As agile as ever, Rosicky was always a treat moving the ball forward.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 7.5/10

Was good on the day and contributed well to Arsenal’s buildup regularly. Chamberlain also showed his dribbling skills as usual and missed out on a goal.

Alexis Sanchez: 10/10

You cannot really ask for a better performance. He bossed the attack as he scored twice, assisted once and created 5 chances overall in the game. Apart from that, his tireless work rate for the team meant that they never lost their balance.

Olivier Giroud: 7/10

Played well up front with his holding up of the play and physical presence to match that of Shawcross. He was denied in the first half by Asmir Begovic.

Substitutes:

Ozil, Debuchy (who was substituted due to injury): N/A

Walcott: 6/10

Still early days for the returning winger. He should have scored when he got a great chance. But he’s getting there with his fitness.