[Player Ratings] Arsenal 0-2 Swansea: No Spark – No Fight – No Points

What can I say? Put simply, we were awful and deservedly lost 2-0 to Swansea, who were excellent throughout.

The first half was as bad as we’ve been this season, we were lackluster, lacking spark and creativity and the players didn’t look like they gave a sh*t, but at least we had the second half to change things.

While it got marginally better after the break we were still struggling to create clear cut chances and Swansea were looking dangerous on the break. After several chances, with Szczesny keeping them at bay, finally the visitors broke the deadlock as Michu hit a late double to seal a deserved 2-0 win for the Swans. The fans let their feelings known to Arsene as loud boos met each goal as well as the final whistle.

The manager’s position at the club could soon become untenable if he doesn’t get this squad – which he’s claimed is the most talented he’s ever managed – playing again. We all know he won’t be sacked by the board, so either he does what he’s paid to do and get the team winning again or he needs to do the right thing and admit his time at the club is up and walk away.

Personally, i’d like to see him stay but as long as he’s given the money needed to strengthen the squad in January. Anyway, here are my ratings from the defeat to Swansea….this won’t be pretty:

Arsenal Ratings

Szczesny – 8 – Would have been 5-0 if it wasn’t for Szczesny. Made two excellent stops to deny Rangel in the first half than made another good save in second to deny the full back again. Made yet another superb late save to deny Tiendalli before being beaten by Michu with a late double. Let down badly by those in front of him.

Jenkinson – 4 – What the hell was he doing for the second? Simply fell over under minimal pressure from Dyer which let Michu in the seal the win. Just get rid next time Carl!

Gibbs – 6 – Crossing was pretty poor again and he was caught to far up-field a few times but not the worst player on the pitch by any means.

Vermaelen –  5 – Was excellent before his mistake let Michu in for the all-important opener. His poor tackle let the ball run to Moore who slipped Michu for the goal. Should maybe have scored with a header from close range when it was 0-0 as well. But Thomas did made an important tackle early on to deny Shechter a shot on goal, then made a superb last ditch tackle to deny Dyer.

Mertesacker – 6 – Sucked in again leaving huge space for Michu to run into for the first after he failed to cut out the pass, but apart from that was steady.

Arteta –  5 – Looked slow and off the pace. Gave away a few needless free kicks after being caught short. Badly needs some power and pace next to him in midfield, because he longer has the legs.

Wilshere – 6 – Marginally better than Arteta as his passing was OK and he was involved in one of our better moments after his great play set up Cazorla early in second half. Tired in the second half and was subbed.

Cazorla – 6.5 – Was our only real threat, having a few shots at goal and should perhaps have done better with one chance, but shot straight at Tremmel from the edge of the box. Still badly needs a rest if you ask me.

Walcott – 5 – Poor corners all afternoon compounded a pretty anonymous display. Made one jinking run that came to nothing but saw little of the ball and wasn’t a threat.

Podolski – 5 – Great cross to find Gervinho was his only contribution. Interchanged with Gervinho up front and on the left but couldn’t get in the game. Subbed again.

Gervinho – 4 – Missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring just before half-time but missed a free header, then did little else. Another ineffective performance. A front three of Gervinho, Podolski and Walcott clearly doesn’t work. Subbed.

Subs

Giroud – 5 – Had little impact. Shielded the ball slightly better than Gervinho/Podolski but had no service.

Chamberlain – 5 – Failed to make a positive impact on the game.

Rosicky – N/A – Was on for about 5 minutes and looked rusty, giving the ball away three times in a row but not fair to rate him.

If you didn’t catch the match and want to put yourself through it, you can watch video highlights from Arsenal 0-2 Swansea here.

So, what were your ratings from another disappointing day for Arsenal? Get involved in the comments section.