Arsenal Player Ratings v Manchester United

Arsenal drew 1-1 with Manchester United at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon. Here, writer ‘Lloyd the Gooner’ gives his ratings for the Arsenal players.

We needed it they didn’t yet the result was about right. What does that say? We are miles behind them…yet, and this is the frustrating bit, we can get right up there with them if we buy the right players in the summer. Does Wenger really enjoy virtually EVERY opposition attack resulting in a shot on our goal? Surely not. This really is the time for action now. Usmanov looms!!

Szczesny 7. Good to have him back playing well. One flying stop in the first half was excellent. Needs to concentrate on his football, keep developing, and we may have a top keeper here.

Sagna 4. Oh dear! Gave everything, tried hard but his error cost us the goal. His form has slipped this season overall, coming towards the end of his time as an Arsenal player perhaps. That said, and this goes for the whole back four, it can’t be easy with no defensive, physical cover in front of you. Wenger’s problem…over to you Arsene!

Mertesacker 6. If there was pace around him in the team his lack of it wouldn’t be so exposed. He was decent in the air though. Help him Arsene!

Koscielny 8. Committed and dynamic throughout. Easily our best central defender this year and yet oddly Wenger has often left him out. I suspect he will be selected from now on this season, if fit. I bet Barca come sniffing in the summer.

Gibbs 7. Had a lively game. Very committed to the cause. At some stage a decision will have to be made between him and Monreal about who the No1 is when both are fit.

Arteta. 7. Usual professional performance in an unnatural position for him. However, he is often exposed one on one. This is particularly the case when players run at him. Certainly not the answer in that position.

Ramsey 7. He put in a lot of effort. He passed well at times. But he also misplaced a lot of balls and just worries me at the very highest level. Let’s face it that is what we aspire to.

Cazorla.6. Disappointing. Looked tired and was breathing out of his a*se by the end. I suspect he is having to do too much of the ugly stuff because we have no Song, Vieira etc. So again we come back to the manager.

Rosicky 7. If he had a left foot we may be celebrating a victory! Shot wide with his right from our best chance of the second half when surely his left would have at least worked the keeper. Got the assist for our goal with an astute ball to Walcott.

Walcott 7. Ok he was marginally offside for the goal but that was typical Theo. His pace helps to create space. But he has absolutely no idea when it comes to defending and any criticism of Bac must always bear that in mind. Remember Jenkinson having a pop at him at Old Trafford last season?

Podolski 6. More effort than we have ever seen from him but sadly that was reflected in his diminished end product. Didn’t offer much at all.

Subs:

Wilshere. We will need him so it was good to see him play with energy when he came on. One run in particular nearly opened them up.

Gervinho. Nothing on display here to earn a stay beyond the summer.

Oxlade Chamberlain. Fell over his own feet at one point but the signs are there that this is a player about to blossom.

Manager. This is it now Arsene! Whether we make the Champions League places or not. If you make the usual mediocre half-baked buys we have seen in recent years …the stadium will be half empty by November.

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