How Arsenal players fared at Old Trafford – my ratings

Really, really disappointed by today’s result, but here are my Arsenal player ratings from today’s 2-1 loss to Manchester United (feel free to argue or agree with me).

Vito Mannone – Despite conceding two goals on the day, the young Italian was possibly our Man of the Match – which says a lot about our outfield players. Kept Arsenal in the game for as long as he could, producing some fine saves throughtout the 90. 6.5/10

Bacary Sagna – It wasn’t exactly a stellar performance from our ‘Mr. Consistent’. Still lacking match fitness. 5/10

Per Mertesacker – The tall German was the best of our back four today. Positioning was very good and he pretty much won everything in the air. Didn’t deserve to be on the losing side. 6/10

Thomas Vermaelen – Gifted United their first goal in the third minute or so and never really recovered from it. A really bad performance from the captain. 4/10

Andre Santos – Was always going to be our weak link in the side. Positioning was abysmal, leaving gaps for United to exploit, and his eagerness to get back at times was so frustrating to watch. Can’t cross to save his life. Worst player on the pitch by a furlong. 2/10

Mikel Arteta – Had a quiet game. Never really stamped his authority in midfield and failed to dictate play with his passing attributes. Booked. 4.5/10

Jack Wilshere – The only player on the pitch who looked like he really wanted it today. Looked sharp and always wanted the ball. Received his marching orders after a ‘dubious’ second yellow in the 69th minute. 5/10

Santi Cazorla – Not a good day at the office from Santi. Made a few decent passes here and there and drove the team forward at times, but not enough. Scored a consolation in what proved to be the last kick of the game. 5.5/10

Aaron Ramsey – Only managed 51 minutes after another disappointing display on the wing. Always looked to drift inside, which left Sagna defending against two men at times, and never offered The Gunners anything moving forward. 3/10

Lukas Podolski – Was nowhere to be seen today. A really poor performance from the German. His passing was way off the mark and failed to create or have any chances on goal. Needs to improve in the upcoming matches. 3.5/10

Olivier Giroud – Had about two decent efforts throughout the game, one from a tight angle which hit the post and the other prior to Cazorla scoring. Never got the service and was very much an isolated figure up front. 4/10

SUBS

Theo Walcott – Came on for Ramsey in the 51st minute. Had one effort which was blasted into Row Z. Never really got involved in the game. 3/10

Andrey Arshavin – Replaced Podolski in the 81st minute and got booked in the 82nd. Produced a few decent passes in the time he was given. (N/A)

Like what you read? Then follow me on Twitter – http://twitter.com/Gunnersphere

Visit and Join our Facebook page, click HERE to do so.

Gunnersphere is currently looking for new writers to join the squad. Contact via twitter or at Gunnersphere@snack-media.com for further details.