Although Mertesacker was shown Red, it was another big performance from the backline when it mattered the most. Thomas Vermaelen returned for the last 20 minutes to see the Gunners through to a massive 1-2 victory over West Brom. Cazorla, Arteta, Rosicky and Ramsey not only did the graft again but they did well. Rosicky scored both the goals and is playing a big part in the season’s finale for the Londoners.
Another massive weekend for Arsenal, with Spurs ending their match in a 2-2 draw against Everton, it is the perfect opportunity for them to finally overcome their rivals. Tottenham’s lead over Arsenal is now cut down to 2 points and Arsenal have a game in hand. It looks like the last place for the European spot will run to the wire and we are all set for a roller coaster ride to the finish line.
Player Ratings:
Lukasz Fabianski 6.5/10
Could have stood his ground for the penalty, but overall it was a decent performance. He may not be the best man for the job, but the Polish shot stopper is continuing to improve his game. Looked very uncertain early on, but recovered as the game progressed.
Bacary Sagna 6/10
Something was missing from the full back. Usually a good crosser of the ball, failed to put deliver quality balls in the final third this time. Was solid defensively until Lukaku came. The youngster made Sagna’s life difficult down the right flank as he constantly kept surging forward with his mazing runs.
Per Mertesacker 5/10
Gave away a poor penalty at a crucial stage of the game. Long was clearly past him and the German with his pace couldn’t recover, a desperate dive to stop the player led to a mistimed tackle and a penalty which was easily converted. Otherwise had a decent game.
Laurent Koscielny 8/10
The Frenchman is the real deal for the Gunners. Rock solid as ever, Koscielny kept the West Brom attackers on bay throughout the game. Apart from a clumsy challenge on Yacob the defender did not put a foot wrong.
Nacho Monreal 7/10
The Spaniard has improved quite impressively after landing in Emirates. Yet another solid performance both in defending and in attacking. Though his forward runs are not as effective as Arsene Wenger would want his left back’s to be, but Monreal is steadily improving his game and should be there at-least by the start of the next season.
Mikel Arteta 7/10
Lost the ball few times, but the Spaniard was influential in final minutes of the game to hold on to the slender lead they had. For a make shift defensive midfielder, Arteta’s contribution to Arsenal has not been celebrated as one would imagine.
Aaron Ramsey 7/10
The Welshman should have been on the score-sheet. An excellent lay off from Giroud onto his path was led down by his poor first touch. Leaving that Ramsey had a solid game. Assisted for Rosicky’s second goal and was impressive with his off the ball work as he covered a lot of ground to help Arsenal defensively.
Santi Cazorla 6/10
Surprisingly a quiet afternoon for midfielder. Apart from a wonderful through ball to Giroud late in the first half and a waited long ball to find Gervinho in the second half, Cazorla failed to live up to his standards.
Tomas Rosicky 8.5/10
An unlikely match winner for the Gunners. Rosicky scored both the Arsenal goals, adding to his tally of just a single premier league goal in his last 65 appearances. Much like last season the Czech midfielder is finding his rhythm at the very end of the season.
Gervinho 7.5/10
Things have changed for the Ivorian in the recent weeks. After living in the shadow’s for most part of the season, the forward his finally finding his feet in the Premier league. After two assists and a goal against Reading last week, he was involved in the first goal against West Brom as well. Although he was aiming the far corner, he found Rosicky’s head in the middle which landed in the near corner. Showed glimpses of quality at times and has continue to keep up his good run of games.
Olivier Giroud 6/10
The French man had the best stat for winning the most Arial duals, but did not make use of it. Giroud continues to look bright, but something is missing from him as he fails to make use of the time he is given with the ball.
Vermaelen Not the way he would have wanted to be in the playing XI, but not very effective during the 20 minutes he was on the pitch.
Highlights:
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