Arsenal won for the first time in three Premier League away games as they strolled to a 4-0 victory at the Liberty Stadium against Swansea City on Saturday afternoon.
Olivier Giroud netted the first to get the Gunners going after Mesut Ozil had headed down Alexis Sanchez’s cross into the Frenchman’s path. The visitors then had the help of some woeful Swansea defending as the home side twice put through their own net on a miserable debut for new manager Paul Clement with midfielder Jack Cork and full-back Kyle Naughton being the culprits. Alexis Sanchez then capped off the night with a close-range finish to make it 4-0. However, the night was marred slightly for the Gunners with Giroud getting injured and Sanchez reacting very poorly to being taken off late in the game.
Alexis Sanchez then capped off the night with a close-range finish to make it 4-0. However, the night was marred slightly for the Gunners with Giroud getting injured and Sanchez reacting very poorly to being taken off late in the game.
With the win, Arsenal went above Liverpool and into the third place in the standings, one point and place behind bitter rivals Tottenham. Here we see how each Gunners’ player fared on Sunday afternoon:
Petr Cech – 7
Did not have much to do, but was alert on the very few occasions he was called upon. Deserved the clean sheet.
Gabriel – 7
Put in a shift on the right side of the defence. While he doesn’t offer the same energy going forward as the injured Hector Bellerin, looks pretty solid defensively.
Shkodran Mustafi – 7
Was involved in a physical battle against Fernando Llorente throughout the night and came out on top against the Spaniard. Had a few careless moments with the ball at his feet in the first period though.
Laurent Koscielny – 7
Survived a close penalty call after coming together with Ki Sung-Yeung. But solid otherwise, dealing with anything that came his way.
Nacho Monreal – 7
A reliable showing by the full-back on the left-side. Kept Nathan Dyer at bay on most occasions and was much more relaxed in the second period with his team dominating.
Aaron Ramsey – 6
Made a few poor decisions here and there, but a relatively good outing for the Welshman. Was denied a goal by a fine save from Lukas Fabianski in the second half.
Granit Xhaka – 7
The Swiss midfielder had a nightmarish outing in his previous meeting against the Swans. However, he had a much more pleasant afternoon on Saturday, protecting his defence with some solidity. Nothing spectacular, but did not put a foot wrong.
Alexis Sanchez – 8
It was his pinpoint cross that Ozil headed into Giroud’s path for the first goal for the Gunners. Scored his 14th of the season in the second period from close range to make it four for Arsenal. Reacted poorly for being substituted late in the game.
Mesut Ozil – 7
Made poor connection with Sanchez’s cross that luckily got deflected into Giroud’s way for the opener. Made a few incisive passes but did not have the usual impact in the attacking third.
Alex Iwobi – 8
After a relatively quiet first half, sprang to life in the second period as he ran at the Swansea defence with purpose. It was his strike that Jack Cork deflected into his own net to make it 2-0 and Kyle Naughton too scored past his own goalkeeper from Iwobi’s cross for 3-0, before being involved in the fourth goal of the game.
Olivier Giroud – 7
Continued his incredible form scoring in the fifth game running after showing great awareness in the box. But picked up an injury and was taken off in the 60th minute.
Substitutes
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6
Replaced Giroud at the hour mark, meaning Sanchez moved into a central role. Help set up the fourth from a cross from the left flank.
Lucas Perez – NA
Came on for Ozil with close to ten minutes remaining on the clock.
Danny Welbeck – NA
Made his first league appearance after his long injury layoff, replacing Sanchez in the 79th minute. Not enough time to make any impact.