Arsenal vs Swansea : Player Ratings

In a must win game that threatened to go sour for us despite all of our attacking brilliance which was equally matched by Michel Vorm, Jack Wilshere delivered the winner that was deserved by his performance. Here’s how the players rated.

Szczesny- 7
Pretty much untested throughout the game. Was beat for Bartley’s header and turned away Ki’s shot behind the post but was otherwise untroubled.

Sagna 7
One of his better games in recent memory. He had Routledge in his pocket all game and almost got a fortuitous goal late in the game.

Vermaelen 7
I feel better when he starts with Mertesacker, they’ve become our best pairing and he was solid throughout.

Mertesacker – 7
Same as Vermaelen, had an okay game and had little to do all night.

Gibbs – 8
Easily the second best player on the field tonight. Going forward he excelled and he did more of that than defend. He was very good tonight.

Coquelin – 7
One can wonder what could have been had he started against city. He was assured and didn’t give away the ball. Did good

Wilshere – 9
9 for just one goal you say? The goal was the least of his contributions tonight. Our future captain was immense. He tackled, he passed, he created chances, drove the team forward, tested vorm and so on. He eventually got the goal. Great performance. Arsenal captain by 2014. Mark my words.

Cazorla – 6
Terrible. I don’t care what you say. He was to me. Not his fault. He’s tired. He NEEDS a rest but Wenger won’t give him. Sad to see.

Walcott – 7
Should have scored 2 but his generosity got the better part of him especially as he could have won two penalties. Created chances and was unlucky. Good warm up before we face his favorite team on sunday.

Diaby – 7
Surprisingly, he was rather good. He curbed his attacking and sat back so much that Coquelin attacked more than him. Very decent shift

Giroud – 7
Still getting there. He had chances on both feet and even his head but just couldn’t score.

SUBSTITUTES – N/A

There was to be no heroics from Michu and co this time. Jack Wilshere took on the mantle and drove his men forward repeatedly which was great to see. If we had more of him then we will be better off. Credit to Kieran Gibbs for a solid shift too and Diaby.

Wenger’s record of never losing in the 3rd round stands for another year and a good morale booster before heading to Chelsea. Well then, have a good night.