Arsenal
[Player Ratings] Arsenal 3-1 Sunderland: Ozil & Cech Shine For Gunners
Mesut Ozil and Petr Cech were in excellent form as Arsenal eased to a 3-1 victory over Sunderland this afternoon. Here are my player ratings from the game:
Arsenal eased to a 3-1 victory over Sunderland at the Emirates this afternoon to move up to second place in the Premier League table.
Mesut Ozil set-up Joel Campbell for the opening goal before Olivier Giroud put through his own net for 1-1 at half-time. The Frenchman then restored our lead with a neat header before Aaron Ramsey sealed the win with a late third.
Here are my player ratings from the game:
Cech 8.5/10 | Outstanding. Made at least three superb saves to keep Sunderland at bay, including a point-blank stop to deny Fletcher.
Bellerin 6/10 | Not at his best as he struggled down his flank at times with the visitors getting in behind the Spaniard too often.
Mertesacker 7/10 | A solid shift from the big German. Made one excellent tackle to prevent Fletcher a clean run on goal.
Koscielny 7/10 | Made two superb interceptions and covered Mertesacker well with his pace.
Monreal 7/10 | Another solid performance from the reliable Spaniard. Also played a key role in setting up the second goal.
Flamini 6/10 | Went about his work quietly but offers little to the team. Almost scored an own goal but had Cech to thank.
Ramsey 8/10 | Back in his preferred position and responded with a goal and an assist. Still has work to do to get back to his best but a great performance today.
Oxlade-Chamberlain 6/10 | Looked a little rusty at times as his final ball was lacking. Subbed early in the second half.
Özil 8.5/10 | Another outstanding performance. The playmaker pulled the strings and looked a level above some of his team mates at times. Great assist for Campbell’s goal and produced a few moments of unreal skill.
Campbell 7.5/10 | Capped off a hard working display with a well taken goal. Pleased for the lad.
Giroud 6.5/10 | Made up for his sloppy own goal by scoring a fine header at the right end but was still a little off the pace at times. Needs a rest.
Subs:
Walcott 6/10 | Looked hungry to impress when he came on but understandably rusty.
Gibbs N/A
Chambers N/A
It wasn’t vintage Arsenal but it was an important win which sees us move up to second in the table after Manchester City and Manchester United both dropped points. On to a huge Champions League decider in Greece….