[Player Ratings] Reading 5-7 Arsenal: Giroud & Walcott Vital In Amazing Comeback

What. A. Game! Arsenal came from 4-0 down to beat Reading 7-5 in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night and it was one of the most enthralling encounters every witnessed on a football field. 

These ratings aren’t going to be easy. We played terribly in the first half and superbly for large parts of the second half and extra time. The fairest thing is to give an average score over the course of the entire game.

The introduction of Thomas Eisfeld and Olivier Giroud was key in the game. The big striker was absolutely superb for the first 20 minutes he was on the pitch and Eisfeld showed he’s certainly one to watch for the future.

For those who don’t know how the game unfolded or haven’t seen the goals yet, check out video highlights here. These are my ratings from the game.

Arsenal player ratings

Martinez – 5 – The youngster will certainly have better days. Should have done better with the Koscielny own goal and was badly at fault for the Reading third. Made up for it somewhat with a couple of excellent saves.

Jenkinson – 6 – Full of running and was Arsenal’s best defender on the night. Although that wasn’t difficult.

Koscielny – 4.5 – His worst display in a Gunners shirt. He was woeful. Should have been sent off but his header in the 89th minute made it 4-3 and gave us a chance to grab an injury-time leveller. Also made an excellent tackle that prevented a certain shot on goal in extra time but for the most part he made Jason Roberts look like Henry in his prime.

Djourou – 5 – Didn’t look comfortable next to Koscielny and was caught out of position on more than one occasion.

Miquel – 5 – Looked sluggish all night and was at fault for the Reading second goal after being beaten far too easily down the line. Subbed late on due to injury.

Frimpong – 5 – Still finding his way back to fitness but will be disappointed with his performance. Failed to track midfield runners on several occasions and slopping passing at times. Subbed.

Coquelin – 7 – Poor in the first half and he failed to close down Leigertwood for the third but was excellent after the break. Seemed to be everywhere.

Gnarby – 5 – Saw little of the ball during the disastrous first half but just when he was getting in the game a bit more early in the second half, Wenger subbed him. Went close with a decent shot.

Arshavin – 7 – Like many of his team mates, Andrei was awful in the opening 45 minutes but the little Russian was far more involved in the second period. Lost count of how many assists he picked up. I think it was 4!

Walcott – 8.5 – His superbly timed run and lovely chipped finish just before half time was the turning point (well, one of the turning points) in the game. When will Arsene give him his chance down the middle?! On hand to grab (possibly) two more goals and was generally a danger throughout and showed the boss he deserves a starting spot on Saturday. Not convinced he’ll get it though.

Chamakh – 7 – What can i say? Typical Chamakh performance for over 100 minutes. He had no touch, no confidence, looked clumsy and it was a miracle he remained on the pitch when Wenger made his 64th minute subs. But to be fair, the Moroccan scored two important goals and maybe they will give him a much-needed confidence boost.

Subs:

Giroud – 8 – Superb after coming on. His substitution changed the game. No doubt. The Frenchman came on and worked his socks off to get his head on everything. Scored a lovely header to make it 4-2 just minutes after coming on and went close on a couple of other occasions. Deserves to start at Old Trafford after this display.

Eisfeld – 7.5 – Looks a real player. Small, low centre of gravity, excellent touch, good passer….dare i say he looks like another Jack Wilshere? Great performance from the young German. He picked up some great positions in-between the midfield and strikers.

Meade – 6 – On for the injured Miquel and had a mixed time. Gave away possession that lead to a dangerous Reading chance but looked comfortable on the ball.

So a crazy game that your unlikely to see again. Twelve goals scored and luckily seven were scored by the Arsenal. That’s thirteen goals in two Capital One Cup games. What striker crisis?!

What were your ratings for the game? Get involved in the comments section.

Fancy a flutter on the game? Claim your £10 welcome bonus at Sky Bet and enjoy some of the best match odds in the business.