[Player Ratings] Arsenal 4-1 Reading: Gervinho Impressive But Cazorla The Magician

Arsenal put in a dominant performance beat Reading 4-1 at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon. We bossed the game from the first minute and could easily have scored double figures if it wasn’t for some wayward finishing. Reading were poor and unadventurous but you still have to beat whats in front of you and Arsenal did that well.

Here are my Arsenal ratings:

Fabianski – 6 – Did virtually nothing other than pick the ball out the net. Couldn’t have done a lot about that goal and wont have have many easier games.

Sagna – 6 – Not really tested at the back but could have done more to prevent the cross that lead to their goal. Crossing was slightly better at the other end though.

Mertesacker – 6 – Dealt with the ‘threat’ of Pogrebnyak with ease. Comfortable afternoon.

Koscielny – 6 – Superb tackle to deny Pogrebnyak a clear shot at goal early in the second half, required to do little else other than keep things tidy at the back.

Monreal – 5 – Was looking good and getting forward to support the attacks well, but then poor defending for Reading’s goal as he allowed Robson-Kanu to get in behind to head home an undeserved consolation. Collided with the post as he tried to prevent the goal and was immediately subbed.

Arteta – 7.5 – Completed over 100 passes and bosses the midfield.

Ramsey – 7 – Good days work from Rambo. Looked far more confident and almost got himself on the score-sheet when he stung the palms of Taylor with a powerful late effort.

Cazorla – 9 – Another masterclass from the little Spaniard. Superb finish for second goal as he curled home from the edge of the box and he was central to everything positive today. Started on the left but constantly came inside to dictate play to link up well with Rosicky, Giroud and Gervinho.

Rosicky – 7.5 – Great performance and justified his selection. Looked at home playing alongside Cazorla. Only issue was he wasted a golden chance to finish a stunning move when he elected to square late on when he was clean through. If he’d have scored it would have been one of the goals of the season. Encouraging display though.

Gervinho – 8 – Wow. Didn’t see this coming, I have to say. He finally added some end product to his game. Was on hand to tap home the opener after Cazorla’s scuffed shot before laying off for the Spaniard to score the second. His best contribution may have been for the third as he ran the length of the pitch and showed great composure to hold onto the ball before laying off for Giroud. This isn’t to say there wasn’t signs of the old Gervinho as well, he snatched as a few shots and played the wrong final ball on more than one occasion, but you can’t argue with his contribution today.

Giroud – 7 – Ice cool finish form the big Frenchman for the third goal. Was far more involved in the build up play today and linked up well with the likes of Cazorla at times. Unlucky not to win a stone-wall penalty when Taylor hauled him down. Subbed.

Subs:

Gibbs – 6 – On for the injured Monreal and slotted in well. Little to do other than slice a right footed shot wide.

Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7 – Superb driving run won a penalty within a minute of coming on. Initial contact may have been just outside the box but it’s hard to argue we didn’t deserve a penalty from the game!

Podolski – 5 – On for Giroud and showed some neat touches as we saw the game out.

Special mention to referee Chris Foy. He was truly dreadful. I don’t think he got a decision right all afternoon. His mistakes were too frequent to mention here but lets just say he had a very bad day at the office!

If you haven’t seen them or want to relive the action, you can watch the goals from Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Reading here.

The win moves us to within two points of Chelsea who dropped to fourth after losing 2-1 at Southampton. Unfortunately Bale hit another worldy to help Tottenham beat Swansea 2-1 but we’re right in the mix for the top 3/4. Lets keep up this form and the rest will take care of itself.

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