It was 3 points for the Gunners at SW stadium, not exactly an enjoyable game but a festive period which has started well for Arsenal and very badly for a sorry Wigan who battled hard to squeeze out a point.
Wojciech Szczesny – Hardly involved in the match apart from a string of saves he had to make because of defensive lapses. Had a decent game 7/10
Bacary Sagna – Tactically he Looked out of shape today as he made his runs forward, Beausejour tried to make runs but luckily Sagna and Arsenal held on to it. 6/10
Per Mertesacker – Though he was out paced once by Kone to get one on one with Szczesny, the German had a decent game. He made some vital interceptions and his positioning has been brilliant. However he has to improve his communications skills and ball clearances quickly. 7.5/10
Thomas Vermaelen – Had a quiet game the Arsenal captain. Not involved with any hassells. 7/10
Kieran Gibbs – Made some good tackles to stop Di Santo and his partnership with Podolski has been improving a lot. But much like his other wing back his forward runs are not backed when the opposition puts a diagonal ball in which leaves the midfielders to run back and cover them. A point to be noted by Arsene Wenger. 7/10
Mikel Arteta – Scored the penalty, made some tackles, passed some balls all round a solid performance by the Spaniard. 7/10
Jack Wilshere – Was in the middle of almost everything once again. Got yellow carded for a perfectly clean tackle and was fouled often to stop his link up with Cazorla. Another passionate display from arguably a future club captain. 7.5/10
Santi Cazorla – McArthur was on a constant watch on the little magician as he was not allowed any space. Had a decent game. Set up Walcott with half a chance which couldn’t be converted. 6.5/10
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – He was squeezed out at the earlier parts of the match. However came back with a strong performance. Wasn’t scared to run with the ball and simply ripped Wigan’s left-back to shreds. Delivered some nice balls into the box and was unfortunate not to get an assist to his name today. 9/10
Lukas Podolski – A quite game for the German , mainly because he tracked back often to help Gibbs. 5.5/10
Theo Walcott – Should he still continue as a striker ? or does he need more time in the middle ? The England International could have done a little more than what he did. Though made some intelligent runs in the match and won the penalty for his team, needs to do better in the position in the future if he wants to claim it. 6/10
Highlights of the game:
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