Palace 1-2 Arsenal – my player ratings

Here are my Arsenal player ratings from today’s 2-1 away win over Crystal Palace:

David Ospina – Had very little to do in the first 45 and claimed crosses comfortably. Was fortunate not to concede a late goal. 6/10

Nacho Monreal – Had a good battle with Wilfried Zaha and stood his ground. 6/10

Per Mertesacker – struggled with Palace’s quick attackers but was positioned well throughout and was dominant in the air. 7/10

Laurent Koscielny – Like Per, the French centre-back read danger well and was physical in challenges. 7/10

Calum Chambers – Was in a physical battle today but did well throughout. Offered the overlap at times and knocked the ball around comfortably. Looks better each game that passes by. 6.5/10

Francis Coquelin – An early booking prevented the French midfielder getting stuck in, but made some decent tackles and interceptions. 6/10

Santi Cazorla – Tucked home early from the penalty spot and dictated play from the middle of the park. Also made some timely blocks in defence. 8.5/10

Mesut Ozil – Drifted in and out of the game but was always in good positions from which he could make something happening. Pulled off some lovely passes, one of which Sanchez should have scored from. 6.5/10

Danny Welbeck – won the penalty and linked up well with Giroud. 7/10

Alexis Sanchez – Showed his pace and desire once again and his pass to Welbeck led to Giroud’s goal. Should have got on the scoresheet. 6.5/10

Olivier Giroud – Look frustrated with the lack of chances that came his way due to a slightly deeper striking role, but bagged his 50^th goal for the Gunners. Led the line well in the second-half. 8/10

SUBS:

Gabriel – came on in the 89^th minute for Sanchez to shore up the Arsenal defence. 5/10

Tomas Rosicky – Replaced Ozil with 15 minutes left to play. Got on the ball and made some nice passes. 5/10

Kieran Gibbs – Came on for Welbeck in the 77^th minute. Added a more defensive approach to the side but got forward when possible. 5/10