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Arsenal Player Ratings vs QPR: Magical Sanchez and Giroud’s Flop Show

Arsenal player ratings vs QPR

Arsenal stayed one step ahead of their opposition QPR, which was reflected in the 2-1 scoreline, which does not reflect how close the game actually was. Every time that Arsenal looked like they could close the game out, major mistakes held them back. The dismissal of Olivier Giroud through a headbutt is an incident that reflects how Arsenal made the game difficult for themselves.

Alexis Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez

Wojciech Szczesny – 8/10 – His place has not been stable this season, but he has performed well in recent weeks to shrug off doubts over his place in the team. He was good today, with the only exception being a goal going past him through a penalty. He should keep his place if he performs like this.

Mathieu Debuchy – 6.5/10 – Was good on the right flank, as he kept moving into the centre of defence as and when required. Brought Hoilett down, which resulted in a penalty for QPR. Overall, he did a good job, and Wenger’s summer investment is starting to pay off.

Per Mertesacker – 7.5/10 – Recovered well from a game in which he was criticized for ducking away from an effort which resulted in a Liverpool goal last week, to put in a good shift today. He needs a rest though, which he is unlikely to get, as he is the leader of Arsenal’s currently shaky defence.

Nacho Monreal – 7/10 – Was moved into the centre of the pitch, to give Calum Chambers, who had “hit the wall”, in his manager’s words, a rest. He performed decently, as he is improving, seen from the fact that he tried to keep Charlie Austin under control from wreaking havoc.

Kieran Gibbs – 7.5/10 – Looked to attack more, as he constantly used his pace to move up and down the left flank, and did a reasonably decent job of keeping QPR’s strikers from receiving the ball from the right. Got an assist, and was good enough for Arsenal on the day.

Tomas Rosicky – 8.5/10 – Played as if he was ten years younger than his actual age, moving from box to box, even though his lack of pace slowed him down on occasions. Scored a goal at an important time – in the 65th minute – for Arsenal, as they were starting to lose their grip on the game.

Mathieu Flamini – 7.5/10 – Made important tackles in the centre of the pitch and ensured that QPR’s midfield and attackers could not run riot against Arsenal, even though they are prone to conceding under pressure. This was a test for him, and he cleared it.

Santiago Cazorla – 7/10 – Created attacks on occasions, but took time to adjust to his role in a three-man midfield, as he was constantly stopped by QPR from impacting the game. Moved into an advanced role after Giroud’s dismissal, but was controlled by QPR from creating scoring chances.

Alexis Sanchez – 9/10 – Got a goal and created an assist for Rosicky to win Arsenal the game, after missing a penalty at the start, to make amends. He was easily the man of the match for his dazzling runs that left QPR’s defenders in his wake. He was the live-wire at the Emirates and Arsenal’s lifeline tonight. Simply Magical display from the Chilean.

Olivier Giroud – 5/10 – Kept troubling the QPR defence until he was dismissed in the 53rd minute, for headbutting Onouha after a challenge left him on the floor. Was a terrible move, with Arsenal’s lead constantly under threat after his red card. He will also miss the rest of the festive season, with the three-match ban. Total flop of the game.

Danny Welbeck – 6.5/10 – Was too far out on the wings to mount a challenge against Ferdinand and company. Drew them into making challenges with his pace and his ability to drift into space, but will be better off in a central position, which he will get for the next three games with Giroud’s ban.

Substitutes:

Calum Chambers – 6.5/10 – Was sent on for Rosicky in order to shore up Arsenal’s defence after QPR scored through a penalty and were constantly threatening Arsenal after that.

Francis Coquelin – 5.5/10 – Made a rough tackle, and took a yellow card for the team, after being thrown on as a late substitute.