Arsenal were able to grind out a vital 0-1 away victory against Marseille last night and it was a very un-Arsenal like performance. Despite below below par in the final third, Arsenal showed patience and discipline while also displaying a solidity at the back that has been sorely missed in recent months.
Ratings are going to be difficult as the first half was a frantic affair with players from both sides giving the ball away on several occasions, while nobody really took the game by the scruff of the neck and made things happen. The second half was all Arsenal as the home side looked like they were settling for a draw. The Gunners had all of the ball but didn’t create that much until the last 10 minutes or so. Here are my ratings:
Szczesny – 6 – Did everything that was asked of him, barely touched the ball in the second half.
Jenkinson – 7 – You’ve got to hand it to the lad, he’s got the confidence to get forward at every opportunity and get some crosses in. Still looks suspect at the back though. Forced off with a knee injury in the second half.
Koscielny – 9 (MOM) – Unbelievable performance from the Frenchman. Didn’t think he had it in him, but he was first to everything and fought for every ball showing the desire to keep a clean sheet that has been missing. Well done son.
Mertesacker – 7 – Did very well for most of the game, making some important headed clearances, but was also turned inside-out on a couple of occasions and his lack of pace was also exposed.
Santos – 4.5 – He gets a 3 for the first half and a 6 for the second half. So casual on the ball it’s scary. Gave the ball away too much and still looks unfit.
Song – 8.5 – Pushed Koscielny close for the MOM, Song was excellent throughout. Controlled the midfield and cut out several Marseille attacks. Only missed out on a higher score because his forward passes could have been better.
Arteta – 7 – Not the creative force we’d have hoped for, but he showed a different side to his game last night by putting in some important tackles and tracked back well. Still needs to get in the game more and be more creative in the final third.
Rosicky – 6.5 – Not at his best. Put a decent shift in but struggled to get going.
Walcott – 6 – Very quiet in the first half and should have done better with a good chance in the second half, but just as he began to get in the game….Wenger takes him off.
Arshavin – 4.5 – One step forward, two steps back. After a good cameo at the weekend Andrey was given a rare start but was very poor. God knows why he stayed on the pitch and Theo was subbed. Just nothing went right for the Russian, not for the first time.
Van Persie – 6.5 – Frustrating night for the Dutchman. Isolated for long periods up front and was feeding on scraps for most of the game. Was also caught offside far too much. Unlucky with a late chance that was well saved.
SUBS:
Djourou – 7 – On for Jenkinson at right back and still doesn’t look comfortable there, but put a good ball in the box that lead to the winner.
Gervinho – 7 – Made a difference when he came on holding on to the ball well and at least making an effort to make things happen.
Ramsey – 8 – The busy Welshman came on for 15 minutes and scored a vital last minute winner. Great finish and showed good composure.
What do you think of the ratings? What would yours be?
