[Player Ratings] Arsenal 1-0 West Brom: Giroud On Target As Ozil Shows His Quality

Arsenal made it four wins in a row with a 1-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion on Sunday afternoon thanks to a first half header from Olivier Giroud. Here are ratings from Gooner Mac.

Szczesny 7/10

Had very little to do in terms of shot stopping but was always alert to come off his line and claim crosses.

Sagna 7/10

Solid shift from the dependable Frenchman. I, like many fans, am hoping this wasn’t the last we’ll see of him in an Arsenal shirt at the Emirates.

Mertesacker 7.5/10

Won the majority of his aerial duels and kept the West Brom strikers quiet.

Koscielny 7.5/10

Used his pace well to sniff out any danger and was comfortable in bringing the ball out of defence when needed.

Monreal 6.5/10

Was caught out of position a couple of times but was always keen to get forward and help out in attack. Subbed after being booked.

Arteta 6.5/10

Neat and tidy in possession and kept the ball moving through the midfield.

Flamini 6.5/10 

Protected in front of the defence and managed to get through the game without being booked!

Podolski 7/10

Was unlucky to see a close range volley come back off the post but he perhaps should have ensured it found the back of the net. Put in some useful crosses and was a threat down the left.

Cazorla 7.5/10 

Set up the opener with a dangerous corner and went close with a couple of shots. Always keen to get on the ball and make something happen.

Ozil 7.5/10

Flashes of brilliance again from the German. Should have done better when through on goal as he sent his shot wide of the post, but was always our main attacking threat and saw plenty of the ball. Just oozes class at times.

Giroud 7.5/10

Great header settled the game and he looked a lot fresher up front. Worked hard and his hold-up play was a lot better today.

Substitutes:

Kallstrom 6/10 – A useful cameo from the on-loan midfielder

Rosicky 6/10 – Plenty of energy but little end product.

Vermaelen 6/10 – Hopefully Arsene didn’t send him on to say his goodbyes to the home support!

It was a very low-key affair that was played out in second gear, but we got the three points and maintained our good form heading into the final day of the season. I think we’ll see some changes for the Norwich game ahead of the FA Cup final, unless we still have a chance of sneaking third.

What were your thoughts from the game? Share your views below.