View From The Sphere

My Arsenal player ratings from the 5-0 FA Cup win over Southampton

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Arsenal wasted no time in seizing initiative in their FA Cup clash with Southampton on Saturday as the trio of Danny Welbeck, Lucas Perez and Theo Walcott capitalized on The Saints defensive lapses to run the host apart in an exemplary fashion and progress to the Fifth Round of the competition.

Here are my Arsenal player ratings from that game:

David Ospina – The goaltender was assured between the sticks, though he had little to do for much of the game. Was on hand to make a great save in the second half to preserve Arsenal’s clean sheet in the game. 6.5/10

Hector Bellerin – The defender was moderate at the backline but he showed quality and confidence going forward in transition. Joined the attack well and produced much flair for Arsenal in the game. 6.5/10

Rob Holding – The youthful exploit of Rob Holding was made easy with a decent partnership with Mustafi where the youngster needed both presence and composure to deal with opposition defensively. 6/10

Shkodran Mustafi – The talented German flashed a glancing header at goal at 2-0 in the first half. Was a rock against Southampton as he inhibited their attacking play and crosses into the box and was on hand to aid partner Holding in central defence. 6.5/10

Kieran Gibbs – The left back showed good movement and touches with decent ball controls in the match. Joined the attack well but still need to do more to stifle the position from Nacho Monreal. 6.5/10

Jeff Reine-Adelaide – The youngster was one of the reasons for Arsenal’s dominant display in the game with quality passes and great level of awareness on the ball. He was good in navigating his way out of opposition with his dynamic (flair) movement on the ball. 6.5/10

Lucas Perez – The forward linked up well with Welbeck in the final third. Neat play from the Spanish forward but should have done better when presented with a one-on-one chance with the opposing goal. 6/10

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – An energetic display from the English forward who worked for the side and was impressive picking out Alexis Sanchez with a brilliant chipping pass on the far side. 6.5/10

Ainsley Maitland-Niles – The youngster was impressive in the game. He was full of energy and discharged his marking duties as he frustrated the forays of the opposition especially at right back. 6.5/10

Theo Walcott – A brilliant display from the forward which was out of hunger to get onto the cross of Welbeck for one of his best of the game of the season. Bagged a hat-trick in one of his game of the season. 8/10

Danny Welbeck – The English striker was a handful for the opposing side throughout his stay on the pitch. Holding up play nicely and initiating some attacking moves. Great composure to bag a brace in the game with decent link up play in the final third with Perez and Walcott. 8.5/10

SUBS:

Alexis Sanchez – The star man once again performed as expected in the match. He came on with another level in the game as he set up two goals brilliantly for Walcott to finish. Too good for Southampton as he turned nicely into good positions in the game. 7.5/10

Alex Iwobi – The Nigerian was somehow anonymous in the game after coming on for youngster Reine-Adelaide. Iwobi could not replicate his replacements contribution in the game as he went missing even on the winning Arsenal side. 5/10

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