Arsenal V West Ham: Player Ratings

Arsenal took all three points as we outplayed West Ham. Here are my player ratings for the match.

Mannone – You can see why he’s not a first choice keeper. The flight of the ball causes him to see double sometimes. Can’t fault him for the first goal though. Needs to pick up his game if he wants to keep Szczesny out for good. 6/10

Jenkinson – Kept Jarvis busy. Not a high flying game but he’s a defender not a striker. If I’m honest, was partly at fault for the first goal. 6.5/10

Mertesacker – He too was partially at fault for the first goal. I thought he handled Carroll well especially in the second half. The German had a solid game, nothing fancy. 7/10

Vermaelen- Was steady at the back but I feel this constant knot in my stomach that he’s going to slide tackle someone in the box and get it wrong. Was commanding on the ground, less so in the air. 6.5/10

Gibbs- Saw a lot of the ball for the time that he was on the pitch as Arsenal built a lot through their left. Again offered decent attacking threat without producing the final ball. 7/10

Arteta – Mr. Dependable came to the party again. 5/5 on tackles, 8/12 on ground duels, 106/111 on passes. Was present everywhere, especially in support of the defense, and started the move that led to the first goal. 7.5/10

Ramsey – Playing him deep led to West Ham’s first goal. Not a convincing performance but made up for it by asserting himself in midfield. Made 84/93 passes which was key to our dominance in midfield. 6.5/10

Cazorla – My man of the match. Scored a great goal and drifted to the left opening big crates of space everywhere. Could go on about him all day but 9/10 says it all.

Podolski – Played wider than usual. I don’t really fancy him playing there but I have to admit, he made some brilliant crosses. The cross for the first goal was just excellent. 7/10

Giroud – Why hello Mr. Goal scorer! Bagged a goal and an assist. Played well and dominated in the box. Looked more threatening in this match and hit the target more often. Lived up to his price tag for the game. 8/10

Gervinho – Playing on the right does not work for Gervinho yet it’s difficult to pin point why exactly. Asserts himself better on the left or through the middle up front. Couldn’t get into this game. A disappointment in all honesty.6/10

Santos – Didn’t look as good as Gibbs. Only concentrated on defending and didn’t really attack. His passing and positioning was not always good either. 6/10

Walcott – His training is starting to pay off. He’s bagged a couple of goals recently and you have to admit that he’s looking more like a striker than he ever did before. Good finish for the second goal. 7.5/10

Koscielny- Came on as a late sub. n/a

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