[Player Ratings] Wigan 0-1 Arsenal: Gunners Fight For Win At Wigan

Er… broken record time sorry. The first half at Wigan demonstrated most of the teams‘shortcomings. A lack of power and pace all over the pitch in particular. In the second half they started well enough and defended resolutely after the goal. The conditions were difficult and not suited to our game. How many times have we heard ‘they won’t fancy a wet winters day at Wigan.’ Well it was wet, winter and Wigan and the attitude was faultless. That said it wasn’t City, United or Chelsea so perspective everybody!

Szczesny 7. Solid enough under pressure. Handling was good in the conditions. Very young for a top level keeper let’s hope he keeps developing and we get the benefit for many years to come.

Sagna 7. Solid as usual. His experience helps the team so much. And in a team lacking the ability to intimidate the opposition he has a certain aggression in his game. He will be a big loss if he goes.

Mertesacker 6. Did well late on but suffered in the conditions more than most with some dodgy clearances. Then again there was a lot of traffic coming in his direction throughout and he coped well enough.

Vermaelen 6. Slightly better than of late but still not yet the inspirational leader from the back that we need.

Gibbs 7. Solid and purposeful performance. He is developing toughness in his game which the team needs. It wasn’t the game to show his attacking flair but we know he has that.

Arteta 9. Intelligent, strong and resourceful. He kept the team going and was effectively the skipper by the example he set. Coolly capped it all off with the pen. Brilliant Mikel.

Wilshere 6. Tough battle today and he was up for that. The pitch didn’t help his game but he is finding his way back bit by bit.

Cazorla 6. Worked hard for the team. Was up for the battle. All good signs. Not a pitch or weather he would carry around in his back pocket but he is learning the nuts and bolts of the EPL.

Oxlade-Chamberlain 8. Always tried to get at opponents with his skill and often succeeded. The talent he has is really coming through now. And he has the power to back it up hence the conditions bothered him a lot less than some others.

Walcott 7. Often isolated but his attitude remained positive throughout. He has clearly found a position although I suspect he would prefer a big man alongside him. Did well to get in front of the full back for the pen, real nous. Not bad for a player who some said had no football brain.

Podolski 6. Quiet again and you can see he doesn’t like the ‘muck and nettles’ side of the game. Gibbs performances behind him must always be seen in that context. That said it was a team performance and he played his part.

Subs

Ramsey. A word for Rambo here. Often criticised, including by me, his attitude has been magnificent since he lost his regular place in the team. Many players sulk, he hasn’t. He has also managed to have a positive impact off the bench too. At Wigan he added some energy and also no little skill. His long term problem may be finding a position.

Coquelin. Showed great energy and power when he came on. Plugged several gaps that could easily have led to goals. Should we try 442 at some of these away games?

Koscielny. His pace may have been a better option today particularly as Wigan didn’t really carry an aerial threat.

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