[Player Ratings] Swansea 2-2 Arsenal: Poor Defending Costs Us Once Again

Another Jekyll and Hyde performance from Arsenal as we came from behind to go 2-1 up, before letting in a late equaliser to draw 2-2 with Swansea on Sunday afternoon.

The first half was completely forgettable with very few chances. We were much better after the break and were well on top but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Michu then came on and embarrassed our defence within 2 minutes to put the home side ahead. Both Mertesacker and Koscielny were at fault for the goal while Sagna could also have made more effort to get a block in.

But we came back and levelled through Podolski before Gibbs combined with Giroud to smash home a stunning volley to make it 2-1. Could we escaped with a win? Nope. With just 2 minutes left some terrible defending allowed Graham to be free at the far post from a corner to score an equaliser and force a replay at the Emirates.

Perhaps a fair result in the end, here are my ratings from the game.

Arsenal Player Ratings

Szczesny – 6 – Made a couple of decent saves during the game but i was disappointed with his contribution to the equaliser. He made it easy for Graham by going to ground too easily and should have stood his ground and made himself bigger.

Sagna – 6 – Another below par display from Bacary and his lack of form is becoming a worry. He’s been Mr Dependable during his time with the club but is starting to let his performance levels drop in recent weeks. Needs to work on his crossing. Uncertainty over his future affecting his form on the pitch? Perhaps. But it’s time Jenkinson is given a game at right back when he returns from his slight back problem.

Gibbs – 8 – Arsenal’s best player by a distance. Some may say an 8 is a little high but he gets that simply for goal alone. What a strike! Reminded me of Podolski’s in the Champions League earlier in the season. Gibbsy was bombing forward all afternoon and while his final ball let him down on occasion, at least he was trying to make things happen.

Mertesacker – 5 – Disappointing return from Per. Was all over the place making several errors and was once again beaten far too easily by Michu for the opener.

Koscielny – 6 – Better than his defensive partner but still didn’t look convincing at the back. Played his part in their opener with some poor defending but did set up Podolski for our second goal.

Arteta – 6 – Pretty poor. Looked a little fatigued and gave away possession too easily at times. Not his usual self and needs a rest.

Wilshere – 7 – Got stuck in but looked a little frustrated at times. Didn’t have his shooting boots on and a few passing moves didn’t come off for him.

Cazorla – 6 – Hardly got himself in the game. Very surprised he started as he clearly needs a rest and with games against Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Munich on the horizon i struggle to see when he’s going to get it.

Ramsey – 5 – Out of position on the left wing again, so unsurprisingly Rambo was awful. Just doesn’t look comfortable out there, although he did put in one decent cross for Giroud in the second half. Subbed.

Walcott – 6 – Back on the right and was largely disappointing. Had a goal harshly chalked off for a foul in the build-up but saw little of the ball and was overall poor.

Giroud – 6 – Wasted his big chance when he headed wide from close range but got little service and didn’t really get in the game. Did force a decent save with a powerful left-footed strike but worked off scraps most of the game.

Subs:

Podolski – 7 – Superb finish to pull us level.

Why did Arsene only make one substitution today and why is Rosicky being over-looked? Cazorla was visibly knackered and hardly in the game….so why not bring on Rosicky? If he’s not fit, why’s he on the bench? Only Wenger can answer but it’s truly baffling stuff.

If you missed the game or want to watch the goals again, you can see highlights here.

While we were far from our best going forward, our vulnerability at the back is a worry. We just don’t look like we’re capable of keeping clean sheets or holding onto a lead. Which makes it very difficult to consistently win matches!

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