Here are my Arsenal player ratings from today’s 2-0 FA Cup win over Middlesbrough at the Emirates:
Wojciech Szczesny – Made one or two comfortable saves, but was rarely tested by Boro’s attack. 6/10
Calum Chambers – Showed his strength on a few occasions during the game and bombed forward well to offer the overlap. Decent performance from the 19-year-old. 6/10
Laurent Koscielny – Was assured and composed on the ball, and communicated well with new-centre back partner Gabriel. 7/10
Gabriel – Despite the language barrier, the Brazilian was organized and very composed on the ball on his Arsenal debut. Booked. 7/10
Kieran Gibbs – Got forward so much you would’ve thought he was playing in the left wing position. Delivered some decent balls into the box, one of which Giroud got on the end of and put Arsenal 1-0 up. 7/10
Mathieu Flamini – In for Francis Coquelin and protected the back four with ease. Boro had so little threat going forward that the French midfielder even managed to push forward and crack an effort or two at goal. 7/10
Santi Cazorla – The Spanish playmaker linked up well with the three forwards and showcased his passing range and technical ability once again. 7.5/10
Mesut Ozil – Was on point with his passing and played some wonderful through balls throughout. On form and looks more accomplished in the number 10 role than out wide. 8/10
Danny Welbeck – Made some great runs off the ball and caused Boro’s defence real problems with his pace. 6.5/10
Alexis Sanchez – Was full of energy and was lively. Always wanted the ball and was unlucky not to get on the score-sheet today. 7/10
Olivier Giroud – Looked sluggish early on but managed to bag a brace, with the second being the pick of the two. 7.5/10
SUBS:
Tomas Rosicky – the ageing Czech came on for Sanchez in the 71st minute and adopted an attacking role. Was keen to get on the ball and always looked to get his team-mates in scoring positions. 6/10
Theo Walcott – Replaced Welbeck with 20 minutes left to play and made one or two darting runs forward in dangerous areas. Should have scored late on but for the goalkeeper making a great save. Hard to see him obtain a regular place in the side. 5/10
Chuba Akpom – On for Giroud in the 82nd minute. Got into some good positions but didn’t have enough time to get into the game. 5/10
