Arsenal beat Stoke 3-1 at the Emirates thanks to sub Robin van Persie who, not for the first time this season, rescued the Gunners when they were struggling to break down a stubborn defence. Stoke set their stall out with the predictable game plan of defending in numbers and relying on set pieces.
Gervinho took his goal well, then the referee awarded Stoke a very generous free kick which lead to the equaliser as Arsenal conceded from a set piece once again. But with Chamakh leading the line and van Persie warming the bench, Arsenal were devoid of ideas and were struggling to get the second. Only when our main-man came on did we look dangerous, and the Dutchman bagged a double to lead Arsenal across the line. Here are my ratings:
Szczesny – 6.5 – Could do little for the goal and in all honesty didn’t have much else to do. Took a big chance when over-playing with the ball outside of his area, but got away with it.
Djourou – 6 – Did better than expected at right back, making a few good runs forward but his crossing was disappointing. Failed to cut out the header that lead to the Stoke goal.
Mertesacker – 7.5 – Assured performance from the German, dealing with most of what Stoke could throw at us. Looking more comfortable with every performance.
Koscielny – 7 – Like Per, did ok in dealing with the ariel threat of Stoke and gaining in confidence with every display. Lost out to Walters for the equaliser though.
Santos – 6 – Did ok, nothing special. Didn’t get forward as much as usual.
Song – 7 – Decent performance from the stand-in captain. Broke up play well and set up some attacks but nothing spectacular from Song.
Ramsey – 7.5 – Superb ball for the opener and had a couple of decent efforts on goal. Set the tempo well alongside Arteta.
Arteta – 7 – Kept things ticking over in midfield but once again wasn’t the creative force in midfield we all hoped he’d be.
Walcott – 5.5 – Didn’t get in the game enough and only got behind his full back on one occasion. Not surprisingly subbed off. Needs to do a lot better.
Gervinho – 8 – Took his goal very well and was a lot more involved than in previous games. Set up both of Van Persie’s goals as well.
Chamakh – 5 – Useless. Totally ineffectual and never found his man with his attempted lay-offs. Missed two great chances to get on the scoresheet before being subbed off RVP.
SUBS:
Van Persie – 9 – Bagged a double and without him Arsenal would be a mid-table side. Thank god he’s fit and scoring goals.
Arshavin – 6 – Tried hard to make things happen and did ok for the limited time he was on the pitch.
Fimpong – N/A – Only for for a matter of minutes.
Watch the highlights from Arsenal 3-1 Stoke
What do you think of these ratings? How would you rate the players?
