[Player Ratings] Arsenal 3-0 AC Milan: Simply Stunning…..

Arsenal produced one of the best first half performances in recent memory to batter Italian giants AC Milan 3-0 thanks to goals from Koscielny, Rosicky and Van Persie. Suddenly the impossible, was possible.

However, we failed to reproduce that form in the second half and Milan held on progress 3-4 on aggregate. Robin did have a golden chance to make it 4-0 early in the second half, and many will point to that as the key moment in the game.

However, for me, the game changed when Chamberlain picked up his injury. He was running the show and when he pulled up early in the second half we lost our momentum in midfield. Another notable problem was the lack of options on the bench. When the players were knackered in the second half we had no game-changer to call upon.

Anyway, a truly superb performance from the Arsenal and one we should all be proud of. This display should ensure the players are full of confidence after beating Tottenham, Liverpool and AC Milan in successive games. Lets make a real push for that third place now!

Here are my player ratings:

Wojciech Szczesny: 8/10

His distribution was a little suspect, but Szczesny made a few excellent stops including a point-blank effort in the second half. His anticiation was also spot on as he made several good decisions to come and collect and sweep up behind the defence.

Bacary Sagna: 7.5/10

Was constantly surging forward throughout the first half and helped create some dangerous situations. Was unlucky to be booked early on by the card-happy ref.

Thomas Vermaelen: 9/10

Superb display, one of his best in an Arsenal shirt. Made Ibrahimovich look like a Division 2 player. Dominated in the air and comfortable on the ground.

Laurent Koscielny: 9/10

Like his defensive partner, Laurent was excellent all evening. Took his goal well and moped up everything at the back. Forging a really strong partnership with TV5.

Kieran Gibbs: 7.5/10

Always eager to get forward and support in attack, but may have been let down slightly by his left-sided colleague in Gervinho. Looked far more solid at the back than in recent weeks as well which is promising to see.

Alex Song: 8/10

Made several key interceptions and dominated the central area with his midfield partners. Faded a little in the second half due to fatigue, which is understandable.

Tomas Rosicky: 9/10

Another excellent performance from the resurgent Rosicky. Constantly on the ball, especially in the first half, and took his goal well. Keep it up Thomas!

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 9/10

A future star. Without a doubt. Ran the show for the entire first half, getting forward to help create attacks but also did his fair share of defensive work. Arsenal’s momentum was severely disrupted when Oxe was forced off.

Theo Walcott: 5.5/10

One of the big disappointments from the game. The Milan left back was useless and Theo should have been skinning him all night long, but instead he only really got past him once and his final ball’s were poor.

Gervinho: 6/10

Like Walcott, Gervinho was pretty poor. He never really got into the game and didn’t make the most of the opportunities he did have. Was unlucky with his second half deflected shot though.

Robin van Persie: 7/10

Didn’t really get the service from his wide-men. Went close with a superb long range effort in the first half and took his penalty expertly, but unfortunately Van Persie was guilty of missing a close range chance that could have made the difference.

SUBS: Chamakh (6), Park (N/A).

Emirates crowd: 10/10 – The fans were superb. More of the same every week please!

Special word for the referee: As bad a performance as i’ve seen at the Emirates. Far to eager to get his card out and made numerous poor decisions.

What are your player ratings? Let us know in the comments section….