Arsenal Player ratings vs. Burnley: Sanchez and Chambers shine
Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 victory against struggling newcomers Burnley courtesy of some exciting performances from star signing Alexis Sanchez and youngster Calum Chambers. The Gunners played well and climbed to the fourth position on the table, with their points on level with Manchester City. If Manchester City lose to Manchester United by two goals or more, then Arsenal will be propelled to the third place on goal difference. Here are the player ratings for the players who fared well in a happy day.
Szczesny: 3/5
He was not troubled much by the Burnley attack. He had a comfortable afternoon and he negated any threat as and when required by being alert.
Chambers: 4/5
Chambers had a great afternoon, his best in Arsenal. He delivered a great cross for Sanchez to open the scoring followed by his first goal for Arsenal which he scored from a corner. He has been a regular player in the absence of Debuchy and he seems to enjoy the role.
Mertesacker: 2/5
Mertesacker again showed signs of struggle when he faced a pacey attack. He was lucky as Ings and company weren’t decisive enough and ended up fluffing chances, but the huge German would need to get the tactics right when he has to face speedy players.
Monreal: 3/5
Monreal had a comfortable game in his emergency Center Back position. He was surprisingly more comfortable than Mertesacker. Perhaps his extra bit of mobility helped him there. He wouldn’t want to stay as a Center Back though, as he is still best suited for a left back role.
Gibbs: 3.5/5
The English International was good on his day. He grabbed an assist and also had a good game at the back. Returning to full fitness has clearly helped him become more consistent. Gibbs would want to continue this surge and eye for a place in the England team.
Flamini: 2.5/5
He was not much decisive against a lesser opponent. Apart from a key interception in the Arsenal box, he was just used as a passer and a contingency plan in case of counter attacks.
Arteta: 2.5/5
Arteta held the play well with his passing and maintained a deep position throughout the game, his passes were safe rather than ambitious, meaning he didn’t offer much threat in an Arsenal attack. He was substituted by Ramsey.
Cazorla: 3/5
He was creative throughout the match and his deliveries during set pieces and otherwise were great. He fluffed a couple of great chances, one being an open goal which was blocked off the line. Cazorla is proving to be a great asset for the Gunners, apparently in his best position as the trequartista.
Oxlade-Chamberlain: 3.5/5
He was a box full of tricks and gave Ward a troublesome afternoon down the flanks. While his runs and dribbling were top notch, he lacked the quality on the final ball often losing out in the last step. He would have to improve that aspect with time.
Alexis Sanchez: 4.5/5 MOTM
He had a perfect match as he proved once again that he can single handedly carry this team. Arsenal played around him and utilized his finishing skills to the fullest. He is showing signs of gelling with the team better than when Ozil was in the team . It seems that Wenger will have to incorporate the current team chemistry into Ozil when he returns so that Sanchez can continue the exploits.
Welbeck: 2.5/5
The Former Mancunian had a couple of shots on goal which were blocked and cleared. He was good with his work rate as usual but the Burnley defence barely gave him any space to work his game.
Substitutes:
Ramsey: 2.5/5
He was energetic in the midfield but did not offer much in attack. He has been somewhat inconsistent to his last season’s form, perhaps because of fitness issues, which he would clearly want to overcome and perform like last year.
Walcott: 3/5
Walcott made a positive return after 10 months. He didn’t show any sign of pace loss and delivered a great chipped pass which Podolski shot at the frame of the goal.
Podolski: 3.5/5
He may not be very technical or pacey but he has great shooting skills. He smashed the ball at the upright and one of his shots was saved brilliantly by Heaton. He was unlucky to miss out on scoring a goal.