An Aaron Ramsey double and a rare Mathieu Flamini strike ensured Arsenal a rampant 3-0 win over a Cardiff side which drew 2-2 with Manchester United last week. In the course of the win, Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the table by seven points, a significant advantage given the other big teams take the field on Sunday. Aaron Ramsey was the star of the show once again as he returned to the south of Wales while Mesut Ozil impressed too bagging a pair of assists.
Here are the player ratings of Arsenal:
Wojciech Szczesny: The Polish shot stopper is coming of age with every game, his decision making has been utterly brilliant and pulled off a stunning save from Fraizer Campbell’s header to deny Cardiff at a crucial stage when Arsenal were leading by a goal to nil.
Rating: 3/5
Bacary Sagna: Had a forgettable match, lost possession time and again making squares and back passes too often than not. Allowed the opposition to play the ball in the right flank and did very little going forward. One of those days, where he rarely put a cross into the opposition penalty box.
Rating: 2/5
Laurent Koscielny: The Frenchman was solid yet again at the back and made timely interceptions to keep out Cardiff’s front men and was always assured at the back. What was even refreshing to see was him building attacks from the back.
Rating: 3.5/5
Per Mertesacker: The German yet again with Koscielny put on a towering display after recovering a dangerous blow on the head from teammate Bacary Sagna
Rating: 3.5/5
Kieran Gibbs: One of the mainstays of the Arsenal defence which kept yet another clean sheet. Gibbs has been a revelation this campaign whether it is his defensive duties or barging forward to attack. His overlapping today however was sublime. Rarely put a foot wrong
Rating: 4/5
Mesut Ozil: After some disappointing game weeks, the German bagged a pair of assists. While the first one to the build up of Ramsey’s header was sensational, the second which found Flamini was no less in flair and was utter silk.
Rating: 3.5/5
Jack Wilshere: The young Englishman was unlucky not to score an opening-minute goal in successive matches. He raced out of the blocks and curled an exquisite shot on to the crossbar in the very first minute of the match. Had a good game overall.
Rating: 3.5/5
Mikel Arteta: Again displayed why Wenger rates him so highly. The Spaniard had a good game albeit his match reading abilities even though he picked up a yellow for a mad rush of blood.
Rating: 3/5
Santi Cazorla: Was not in full flow and looked in and out of the game. However he was always a threat going forward but did very little racking back or sparking anything in the match.
Rating: 2.5/5
Aaron Ramsey: I am out of words for this magnificent Welshman. Two goals for the first time after his first return to South of Wales would leave him in cloud nine. Earned huge respect of the crowd as he didn’t celebrate either of his goals. Everything he does these days, turns to goals.
Rating: 4.5/5
Oliver Giroud: A mixture of the very good and the very bad. Wasted two golden scoring chances in each half. However was brilliant when asked to hold the ball up and bring others into play.
Rating: 3/5
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