Arsenal

[Player Ratings] Swansea 0-2 Arsenal: Cazorla MOTM But Gunners Back Four Solid Again

Arsenal had to dig deep to beat Swansea City 2-0 at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday afternoon thanks to goals from Monreal and Gervinho. Here are player ratings

by
Gooner Mac
March 16, 2013

What a HUGE win Gooners. I hoped the Bayern result would be catalyst for a more consistent run-in and this was an excellent start. The game was easy on the eye with both sides keen to play football. The first half was pretty even with both sides creating a couple of half chances but we totally dominated the second period. Swansea didn’t create a thing and the most Fabianski had to do was deal with one corner.

We weren’t at our free-flowing best though and had to dig deep to grind out the win. With the exception of Cazorla, and the Oxe in the first half, our front play was very average and it was the introduction of Gervinho and Aaron Ramsey that arguably changed things in the final third.

The back four were once again solid and back-to-back clean sheets have been rare so far this season. Let’s hope this kind of form continues during the coming weeks and it’s going to be difficult for Arsene Wenger to recall his captain at this rate. But he can’t complain if the teams keeping clean sheets, can he? In the end, late goals from Monreal and Gervinho sealed a vital three points and we’re now breathing down the necks of the top-four. Here are my ratings:

Arsenal Ratings:

Fabianski – 6 – Had very little to do. Swansea didn’t have a shot on target throughout the entire ninety minutes. Flapped at one corner and his kicking suspect in the first half, but another clean sheet will only boost confidence. Going to be tough for Szczesny to regain his place.

Jenkinson – 8 – Another superb display from Jenko. He was bombing up and down the right wing and his pace is a huge asset. Positional sense is improving with every game also. Only issue was a terrible ball across his own box which led to Michu almost scoring in the first half, but we’ll forgive him for that.

Monreal – 7.5 – Took his goal well and what an important strike it could turn out to be. Solid at the back and got forward a lot more in the second half. Settled in well.

Mertesacker – 7 – Don’t remember the commentator saying his name which is what you want. He got on with his job and put in an assured display with little fuss. Looks far more comfortable next to Koscielny.

Koscielny – 7 – Another composed display at the back. His distribution was poor at times but his pace and covering across the back-line is important to our play.

Diaby – 4 – Looked well short today. His passing was sloppy on several occasions and he pondered on the ball for too long. Looks low on confidence and fitness. Rightly subbed.

Arteta – 7 – Steady as always. The midfield looked a bit open, especially in the first half, but he sat deeper after the break and we took control of the game.

Cazorla – 9 – They couldn’t get near him. Close control is scary at times and he pretty much ran the game in the second half. Went close with a well hit volley early on but his incisive passing was key to the win. Dare i say he looks far more comfortable when Jack’s not playing?

Chamberlain – 7.5 – Hit the bar early on then clipped it again just before half time with a dipping 20-yard effort. Was very positive and arguably our best player in the first 45 but faded a bit after the break. Unlucky to be subbed.

Walcott – 5 – Anonymous for large parts, particularly in the first half. Had a couple of runs on the break but wasn’t to be his day. Subbed late on.

Giroud – 6 – Played off scrapes really as the service was largely poor but he still worked hard and put himself about. It was the big Frenchman’s lay-off that found Monreal for the vital opener.