Here are my Arsenal player ratings from today’s 1-0 victory over QPR (feel free to argue or agree with me):
Wojciech Szczesny – Was called upon twice during the 90 minutes. The 21-year-old made a great save to keep out Shaun Wright-Phillips’ effort early on in the game to keep the score level. Made another good save from Adel Taarabt’s shot/cross in the second half when Arsenal were under pressure. A very comfortable outing for the young Pole. 7/10
Johan Djourou – Despite not being a natural right-back, it has to be said Johan had a good game, probably his best since shifting there. Was never really threatened and tested, but did what he had to do when called upon. Got booked. 7/10
Per Mertesacker – Very assured when in possession and continues to grow with every passing game. A fine defensive performance from the tall German international. 7.5/10
Laurent Koscielny – Another solid performance from Arsenal’s most improved player. Positioning was fantastic and once again displayed great work ethic and desire. Looks very confident these days. 7.5/10
Thomas Vermaelen – Dealt with what was thrown at him and looks confident in the left-back role. Was mistakenly booked by the ref for a foul Koscielny committed. Was subbed in the 54th minute after picking up what looked like a slight knock. 7/10
Alex Song – Broke up QPR’s attacking play a few times and got forward when required, but still needs to work on his passing. A low-key performance for a man of Song’s qualities. 7/10
Mikel Arteta – Another fine display from the Spaniard in the middle of the park. Broke up and dictated play all game and was probably Arsenal’s best midfielder and Man of the Match. 8/10
Aaron Ramsey – Despite covering a lot of ground, Rambo misplaced many of his attempted passes today. However, the Welsh midfielder always looked for the killer ball and found one when he slid through Walcott for a massive goal scoring opportunity. Needs to be rested. 6.5/10
Andrey Arshavin – Displayed some nice touches on the ball and kept it tidy. Fed through RVP for Arsenal’s only goal. Did Well. Was replaced by Rosicky. 7/10
Theo Walcott – Made a few good runs to get behind and past opposing defenders, but was fairly anonymous throughout. Should have scored in the 55th minute when he was put through clear on goal by Ramsey. Thierry Henry will show him how it’s done. Needs to find his spark again. 6.5/10
Robin van Persie – Well he didn’t break the record but he won us the game. Scored his 35th goal of 2011. A fine performance from the Dutch striker. 7.5/10
Francis Coquelin – Came on for Vermaelen in the 54th minute as an emergency left-back and did well. Was really composed on the ball and demonstrated his defensive abilities and tenacity. Looks a bright prospect for the future. 7/10
Tomas Rosicky – On for Arshavin 23 minutes before time and showed desire. Never made an impact, but strengthened our midfield with his experience. 6/10
Gervinho – Came on for Theo on the 74th minute and should have scored two minutes after coming on – missed a sitter! Showed off his skill and direct runs once again. 6/10
Like what you read? Then follow me on Twitter – http://twitter.com/Gunnersphere
Visit and Join our Facebook page, click HERE to do so.
Gunnersphere is currently looking for new writers to join the squad. Contact via twitter or at Gunnersphere@snack-media.com for further details.
I think it’s time to look at what Song’s role is. His passing is quite average. Time to give Coquelin a game in his best position.
Fair ratings think Walcott should be dropped and AOC bought in
Agreed , if ox gets any chance to show, walcott will be a forgotten man in a short while.
can’t see how you thought arshavin was neat and tidy today when everyone at the game as was i , were calling for him to be removed from play .
did very little in attack and again to lazy to help out in defence.
walcot played his worse game by far this season, his chance to score one on one with the keeper got to the worse ever miss so far this season was’nt even on target and mis kicked.
@robz song been brilliant for arsenal this last two seasons, yes his worse game for sometime today, but his passing is not average, its his abilitity to break up play around the pitch and his work horse detemination makeing box to box runs through out the game that makes him important to arsenal.
From what I read..Walcott, Asharvin, Ramsey out for Fulham….Ox-Chamberlain, Arteta, Henry in.
Arsenal are making hard work of it, that should have been 3-0.
As usual, it is sick to watch how Ramilson and Walcock play.
For me, Rosicky has been the most pleasant surprise of the season. Maybe I rated him to harshly last year, but I’m never concerned when he starts or is subbed in.
OUR MID THREE ARE CLEARLY TIRED. BOTH SONG AND RAMSEY’S PASSING IS LESS ACCURATE DUE TO TIREDNESS. I LIKE COLEQUEN, NOT SURE WHY,BUT I WANT HIM IN THE TEAM.THEO SEEMS TO BE SUFFERING FROM AN INFERIORITY COMPLEX SINCE HE IS WEARING THE NUMBER 14 AND “THE OWNER” IS BACK. SOME NEVERSNESS IS CREEPING INTO THE YOUNG LAD’S MIND. I LIKE PER, HE IS GOING TO BE A MONSTER OF A DEFENDER FOR US, ALSO TO SEE THE BIG LAD SMILING, CLEARLY ENJOYING HIMSELF, LOVES THE CLUB, LOVES ENGLISH FOOLISH, LOVES THE CHALLENGE. KO HAS IMPROVED, ALTHOUGH HE ANNOYED ME AT ONE POINT BY FAILING TO JUST KICK THE BALL OUT OF TOUCH LEADING TO AN UNNECESSARY FREE KICK AND A FEW MINUTES OF UNPLEASANT PRESSURE ON OUR GOAL LINE. GERVINHO WILL BE A MONSTER WHEN HE COMES BACK FROM HE AFRICAN NATIONS CUP, LOTS OF GOALS AND ASSISTS, YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST. I DO NOT LIKE ARSHAVIN, HE IS LAZY AND SHOULD LEAVE. GOALKEEPER DOING WELL,SHOULD CONTINUE WORKING ON HIS DISTRIBUTION THOUGH. I ALSO WANT THE MANAGER TO ASK THE TEAM TO PLAY WITH MORE TEMPO AND WIDTH. WE NEED THAT IN THE SECOND HALF.