Arsenal Player Ratings vs Montpellier By Lloyd The Gooner

Arsenal secured qualification to the knockout stages of the Champions League with a 2-0 win over Montpellier on Wednesday night. Here are player ratings from ‘Lloyd the Gooner’.

Montpellier had nothing to lose yet we struggled to beat them, particularly in the first half. But there was a lot at stake and it was that rather than a poor attitude that led to the poor first half. In the second we were more lively and put them to bed which is all that the players had to do. Here are my ratings:

Szczesny 6. Steady and does instil more confidence than Mannone.

Sagna 7. This is a class defender. We saw it against Tottenham and again in this game.

Mertesacker 6. Steady as usual and no fuss just did his job. And no offside madness either.

Koscielny 7. Another class man. Sometimes it looks too easy for him and he gets a casual. His pace is so reassuring when alongside the big German. Really looking back on form now.

Vermaelen 6. Out of position at left back. Easier for him than at the weekend. His toughness is an asset to a side that lacks that aggressive edge.

Arteta 7. Nobody can doubt this man’s unselfish team ethic. He isn’t a natural as the deepest midfielder but he is such a pro with a head-down get on it attitude.

Cazorla 6. A lot of mis-placed passes but also made space and created. Quieter than at the weekend but he can’t be the all singing all dancing show in every game, can he?

Wilshere 7. Gets the mark for the goal of course but also because he got what Arsene calls his ‘burst’ back. Slowly our Jack is returns to us. Captain material. And for those bothered about these things maybe a future England skipper. Ok he misplaced a few passes too!

Oxlade-Chamberlan 6. He often kept two defenders busy which gave Podolski more room. Not always an end product but he has real talent.

Giroud 8. Sloppy in possession at times, as others were. But what can you say two assists and a great attitude throughout.

Podolski 7. Come on the strike was fantastic! He is not a player to make the play but if we get that part right this boy has real end product in his crossing and goal scoring.

Subs

Ramsey. As he often does looked ok off the bench.

Gervinho. Good to see the Ivorian back.

Coquelin. Energetic I suppose sums him up.

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