[Player Ratings] Brighton 2-3 Arsenal: Giroud Excellent, Santos Not So Much

What a proper cup tie. Brighton were excellent and played some wonderful stuff. Arsenal were, well, Arsenal. Good going forward at times but poor at the back. Arsene Wenger was forced to introduce the big-guns from the bench in the second half with the score at 2-2, and thankfully it paid off as Walcott grabbed a late winner.

Olivier Giroud was superb and fully deserved a hat trick, but he’ll settle for two. Both his goals were both wonderfully taken. Once he starts producing in the big games he’ll be a real player. However, until Arsene sorts out the defence, we’re not going to be challenging for any top honors any time soon. We look so fragile at the back and we still lack a real physical presence in midfield. Here are my ratings from the game:

Arsenal ratings

Szczesny – 6 – Stunning early save to keep the hosts at bay seconds before we scored the opener, but was at fault for the equaliser. Got right underneath the ball when he should have been attacking it.

Jenkinson – 6.5 – Skinned by Lua Lua a couple of times in the second half but was full of energy and always does his best.

Mertesacker – 5 – Let Barnes run off him at the corner for their first goal but probably expected Szczesny to collect. At fault for the second as well when he should have been goal side of Ulloa. It really was schoolboy defending.

Koscielny – 6 – Better than his defensive partner but didn’t look entirely comfortable next to the big German.

Santos – 1 – Predictably awful. Very lucky to get away with losing the ball right on the edge of our area. Brighton scored but it was given offside. Caught out both positionally and in possession on several occasions. Just stood and watched as Brighton crossed from his side for the second. So many issues we could go on all day. He really shouldn’t be anywhere near the first team. Arsene finally put him out his misery and subbed him for Gibbs.

Diaby – 6 – In and out the game really. Showed flashes of brilliance, like his lovely assist for Giroud’s second goal, but still looks a little short of his best.

Ramsey – 6 – Steady and unspectacular. He looks much more comfortable in the middle but i still don’t think he’s got the physical presence to be the midfield enforcer we need.

Rosicky – 6 – Selected for some rough treatment by the home side but showed some quality on the ball. Tired in the second half and was eventually subbed.

Chamberlain – 5 – Couple of decent crosses early on but over complicated things at times instead of giving the simple ball. Disappointing overall, didn’t take his chance to shine. Subbed

Podolski – 6.5 – Didn’t build on his excellent display against West Ham. Barely touched the ball in the opening 45 minutes. But was better in the second half and was unlucky not to find the net with a free kick when he crashed a lovely effort off the bar. Also went close late on to adding a fourth but saw his close-range shot well saved.

Giroud – 8.5 – Stunning opener. Opened his body up and bent it beautifully into the top corner. Second was also a lovely goal, taking Diaby’s ball down well and smashing home. Deserved his hat trick and if Theo had passed he would have had it, but it will come. Great performance from the big man.

Subs:

Wilshere – 6.5 – Gave away a few sloppy balls but also showed his quality and was involved in the build up that lead to the corner for the winner.

Walcott – 7.5 – Another well taken goal for Theo. Showed his ridiculous pace to beat two defenders to the ball down the right and was through on goal but should have passed to Giroud for a tap-in instead of shooting from a tight angle. Looking at the top of his game though. 17 goals at this stage in the season is an excellent return.

Gibbs – 7.5 – Showed poor Santos what real left back looks like. Made a real impact and his pace down the left was key to us winning the game. god help us if he gets injured.

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

What were your ratings from the game? Leave yours in the comments section below.