Sunderland vs Arsenal : Player Ratings

Every game very important. 3 points from every game, very important and we set out to do just that from the start of the game. Wenger made 2 changes with Arteta coming in and Jenkinson. Sagna meanwhile started at center back, this had me really worried and scared. Here’s how the players rated.

Szczesny- 8
Talk about earning your wages, a very quiet first half followed by a superb second half performance, he was hugely impressive with his 4+ saves. Great game.

Sagna 9
9 might be too high but he was easily the man of the match despite playing at center back. He won every header he contested for in the first half and was there with blocks, clearances and interceptions in the second. Like a new signing he was.

Jenkinson 3
What an idiot. 2 stupid tackles and 2 bookings saw him get an early bath. Both tackles could have been avoided but they weren’t. He didn’t have to go to ground each time but he did. He’ll learn as he goes on.

Mertesacker – 6
Did just about enough to help out Sagna at the back. Uncomfortable playing at the left side of the defense.

Monreal – 6
Offered nothing going forward and seemed to struggle against Sessegnon, put in a vital block in the second half still.

Arteta – 7
Good to have the general back in the middle of the park. Did his job as usual but was under immense pressure when Wilshere went off.

Wilshere – 7
Went on what has become his trademark drive forward to lead to the opening goal. He was solid in the 50minutes he played before going off injured. Not too serious I’m sure.

Cazorla – 7
Got the goal his performance deserved and could have had assists too if not for Mignolet.

Walcott – 7
Had chances in the first half but met his match in Mignolet, then saw his shot come off the upright, it wasn’t his day in front of goal but he still got the assist.

Ramsey – 6
Started in the midfield and finished at right back. He was good in the second half and sloppy when Wilshere went off but put in a good shift when he moved to right back.

Giroud – 5
Not his best game, looked to assist more than being clinical, wasted a last minute chance that could have sealed the win. That was poor and greedy from him.

SUBSTITUTES

Diaby – 4
No valuable contribution really.

3 huge points based on the performance. We should have been out of sight in the first half but Mignolet had other ideas. Jenkinson’s almost put all the good work to waste with his sending off but I blame Wenger who didn’t take him off, that’s poor coaching on his part. Sagna takes the man of the match ball for me with his world class performance, Szczesny a close second. Good win overall for us.