Here are my Arsenal player ratings from yesterday’s 2-1 victory over Sunderland (feel free to argue or agree with me):
Wojciech Szczesny – Despite some poor kicking and indecisive decision making early on, the young Pole had another exceptional game in goal. His point blank save in the dying moments of the first half from Cattermole was simply outstanding – game changing moment – 7/10
Carl Jenkinson – Was worried when I saw the youngster on the team-sheet, but the 19-year-old stepped up to the plate and had a good game at right-back. Delivered some nice balls into the box, but must learn to keep his position at times – 7/10
Per Mertesacker – The German international did well. Won everything in the air and was relatively comfortable throughout due to Sunderland’s lack of attack – 7/10
Laurent Koscielny – His positioning is improving week by week. Had a reasonably easy and quiet afternoon in whole – 7/10
Kieran Gibbs – Had an average game. Was withdrawn from the action early in the second half – 5.5/10
Alex Song – Was strong in midfield and made some good runs through the middle. Distribution of the ball was poor though – 6.5/10
Mikel Arteta – Displayed his great passing range once again, but was fairly anonymous as the game went on – 6/10
Tomas Rosicky – Was probably Arsenal’s most productive midfielder. Kept it tidy and made some good runs through the middle. Glimpses of the old Rosicky emerged – 7/10
Theo Walcott – At times I didn’t know he was playing. Was very ineffectual throughout and needs to improve if he wants to get the critics off his back – 5.5/10
Gervinho – Looked menacing at times coming in from the wing, but was on-off up until he got subbed. Assisted RVP’s first goal – 6.5/10
Robin van Persie – The Dutchman was simply on fire! Gave Arsenal a dream start within 30 seconds with a superb low strike and was unfortunately denied by the woodwork ‘a goal of the season’ contender. Settled the game with a majestic free-kick in the last 10 minutes and sent Gooners home happy. An inspirational performance from the captain – 8.5/10
Subs
Andre Santos – Replaced Gibbs early on in the second half and was never troubled defensively. Seemed content to stay back rather than venture forward – 5/10
Andrey Arshavin – Made some majestic solo runs forward, which caused Sunderland a few problems. Kept it tidy and was nearly rewarded with a goal. Looked like the Arshavin of 2009 – 7/10
Yossi Benayoun – Came on late and as such was unable to get into the game – 5/10
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Way too kind on Jenksinson – 5, maybe 5.5
Too harsh on Song, a 6.
.5… I would have given him at least 7. He bossed the front of the back 4. The understanding between him an Walcott wasn’t the best but except for that, another good game by the best DM in the EPL.
T2T, what is wrong with you?
Song has problems he shares with Diaby, namely, the inability to release a ball when required until the next player is surrounded or ball intercepted. He’s been around to know better and yet people like yo always find reason to excuse him.
Jenkinson is you, new but a fighter by nature and fast-learner too. Just love his will to get into the fight.
Too harsh on song and too nice with arteta and jerkinson
I thought Santos did well and deserves at least a 6, i’d probably give him 6.5. Song was magnificent defensively and that’s his primary role but you’re right, poor distribution has to knock the score down below a 7. I don’t understand Jenkinson getting a better rating than Gibbs. Jenkinson made one terrible error when he was dispossessed which you must’ve forgotten. Gibbs wasn’t good but Jenkinson was worse.
santos was soild deffendin when he come on.
song 8
it seems his are new creative midfiled.
I’m sure TR surprised even himself by his good performance yesterday. Let him just keep that up in subsequent matches. Good rating for him.
Jenks did OK, got a few things wrong but he’s only 19 for gods sake. he was much better than i feared he would be. Song did the defensive stuff well but had very poor delivery. Walcott was poor too. Crowd should get a 6 or even a 7, getting better each week. Gonna mis RVP when he packs his bags, got no one close to replacing him, bit like Fabregas really, oh dear.
It was a good analysis
i thought benayoun’s introduction was match changing moment, was incisive in his little passes as a link up man. kinda reminded of hleb’s role of old.