Man City 0-2 Arsenal – player ratings

Here are my Arsenal player ratings from this evening’s 2-0 away win to Manchester City (feel free to disagree with me if you want):

David Ospina – a second consecutive clean sheet for the Mexican shot-stopper. Dealt with what was thrown at him and looked comfortable catching the ball. 7/10

Hector Bellerin – The young Spaniard has impressed in every game he has featured. Got forward well, offered an overlap and was solid throughout. 7/10

Per Mertesacker – Looked a new defender thanks to the protection in front of him. The threat of Sergio Aguero was nullified. Kept position superbly. 7/10

Laurent Koscielny – Like Per, the Frenchman looked calm and composed. Was never put under any real pressure and kept City’s attack quiet. 7/10

Nacho Monreal – Was exposed a few times but did well. A decent performance. 6.5/10

Francis Coquelin – The 23-year-old was solid in the centre of midfield, got stuck in and won possession back for his side. Very organised and looks set to continue his run in the side. 7/10

Aaron Ramsey – Had some nice touches on the ball, but was trying too hard to make things happened and struggled for fitness in the closing stages. 6/10

Santi Cazorla – The 30-year-old was simply mesmerizing tonight. Didn’t neglect his defensive duties by winning the ball back on a number of occasions and drove the team forward with his dribbling and creativity. Another assist and goal to his name. Man of the Match. 9/10

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – Made some great runs off the ball and was trying to get past City’s defenders. Looked a threat but his touch let him down. 6.5/10

Alexis Sanchez – Not his best game, but the Chilean’s trickery and speed forced City to be cautious at times. 6.5/10

Olivier Giroud – Looked like a horse with three legs at time, his movement was so poor. Didn’t see a lot of the ball but managed to score and put the game to bed with a deft header. 6.5/10

SUBS:

Tomas Rosicky – Came on for Chamberlain in the 66^th minute to add energy and guile in the midfield which he did. Played some lovely passes during his 25-odd minutes on the pitch. 6/10

Mathieu Flamini – On for Ramsey in the 84^th minute. Sat alongside Coquelin in midfield to defend what they had. 5/10

Kieran Gibbs – On for Sanchez in the 84^th minute. Made a surging run forward down the left flank and added much needed energy in the closing minutes. 5/10