It feels like this type of defeat could only happen to Arsenal. 2-1 and coasting at half-time, playing well, creating chances, should have put the game to bed….then we push the self destruct button and fold like a piece of paper.
If i was to rate the players at half-time, on the whole they would have been very positive but after giving myself a day of reflection time, here are my player ratings from yesterday’s disastrous 4-3 defeat to Blackburn Rovers:
Szczesny – 5.5
Was shaky on a couple of crosses, and could have done better with the Koscielny O.G but made a couple of great stops. Needs to be playing with better defenders in front of him.
Sagna – 6
Linked up well with Gervinho in the first half, before being forced off early in the second.
Koscielny – 3.5
Absolute nightmare. What can you say? One minute he looks like he has the potential to be a good CB, then he reminds you why he’s not good enough to play for AFC. Terrible footwork and positioning for the O.G and still doesn’t seem to understand the offside rule.
Mertesacker – 4.5
Hasn’t looked like the answer to our prayers like we had hoped. Isn’t commanding the defence like someone who’s played 75 times for Germany should be, and was turned by an over-wieght Yakubu too easily. Also should have scored in injury time.
Santos – 3.5
Shocking. Was at fault for 2 goals playing the opposition onside for both. Didn’t look fit and looked slow to get back in position. Put in a couple of decent crosses though. Looks like a typical Arsenal left back, decent going forward, but can’t defend or play offside.
Song – 4.5
Played very well in the first half, but had a nightmare in the second. Slow to react for the O.G and should have attacked the ball or at least anticipated it would come through to him.
Arteta – 7
The only real shinning light, anything of note went through him and neat finish for the second.
Ramsey – 6
Ok performance from Rambo, put in the usual good shift just never really got hold of the game. Needs to get involved more and make things happen in the final third.
Gervinho – 4
You may think this rating is harsh for a goal-scorer (it was a good finish to be fair), but he was one of the villains for me. Arsenal would have won the game had he passed to RVP for a tap-in to make it 3-1 instead of being selfish and going for goal himself.
Arshavin – 5
Very little to say. Typical performance from Arshavin.
van Persie – 6.5
Feel sorry for him, played well in the first half when Arsenal were playing well but others let him down in the second half. Could, and maybe should, have scored late on in injury time but great cross for Chamakh’s goal.
SUBS
Djourou – 4
Another poor performance from Johan. Awful challenge on Olsson that lead to the 4th goal and showed off his crossing ability as well. He’s a poor centre back, but a terrible right back.
Walcott – 7
Should have started, was a constant threat when he came on putting in several dangerous runs and crosses. More productive in his first 5 minutes than Arshavin was in his 65 minutes.
Chamakh – 6.5
Not his biggest fan but he made a difference and scored a great header. Should maybe have done better with another late chance though.
Those are my ratings. What are yours??
