[Player Ratings] Arsenal 1-1 Man Utd: Sagna Costs Gunners As RVP Makes His Point

Arsenal and Manchester United played out a 1-1 draw at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon. Theo Walcott gave the Gunners the perfect start with a well-taken goal inside the opening 3 minutes and the home side went on to dominate the opening 30 minutes. However, they failed to add to their lead and Bacary Sagna gifted the champions a chance to level just before half time when he gave away possession to former striker Robin van Persie before compounding his error by fouling the Dutchman in the box. RVP dusted himself off to make it 1-1 from the spot to score on his return to north London. Neither side could find a winner and it finished all square. Here are my ratings from the game.

Arsenal Ratings

Szczesny 7/10

The young Pole was assured in goal and made several important saves, including a point-blank stop to deny Van Persie in the first half. Could do nothing about the penalty.

Sagna 4/10

Well below par from the right back. Sloppily gave away possession before needlessly bringing down Van Persie in the area. Crossing was terrible all afternoon and passing was poor as well. Should have been sent off for a second bookable offence in the second half.

Mertesacker 7/10

Solid display again from the big German. Lack of pace was almost exposed on a couple of occasions but his positional sense made up for it.

Koscielny 8.5/10

An absolute rock at the back. Made several interceptions and clearances, and kept his old pal RVP relatively quiet.

Gibbs 7/10

Dealt well with the threat of Valencia but could have got himself involved in the final third more.

Arteta 7/10

Another solid performance from the Arsenal captain. Seems to enjoy having the legs of Ramsey alongside him. Tired slightly as the game wore on after putting in a lot of effort in the opening half.

Ramsey 8/10

Excellent. The Welshman was everywhere. His passing was sloppy on occasion but he made up for it with an all-action display.

Rosicky 7/10

Lovely drop of the shoulder and pass set up Walcott for the opener and was largely Arsenal’s most creative player until he went off early in the second half.

Walcott 6.5/10

Took his goal well but was relatively quiet after that. Couldn’t get the better of Evra and corners were poor.

Cazorla 7/10

Linked up well with Rosicky and Ramsey in the opening exchanges. Tested De Gea with a stinging effort and went close again in the second period.

Podolski 5/10

Didn’t take his big chance up front. Couldn’t really get himself in the game and didn’t look 100% match fit.

Subs

Gervinho 5/10 – Failed to make an impact.

Wilshere 5/10 – Doesn’t look fit. Couldn’t really change the game.

Chamberlain 5/10 – Not given enough time to get in to the game.

Manchester United Ratings

David de Gea 7/10

Got a touch on Walcott’s shot but couldn’t keep it out. Denied his Spanish compatriot Cazorla twice with fine saves.

Rafael 6/10

Was keen to get forward to join in the attack but didn’t always pick the best final ball. Did a reasonable job defensively but was subbed midway through the second half as Fergie looked to keep things tight.

Rio Ferdinand 7/10

Assured performance from the veteran defender. Kept Podolski quiet and was comfortable bringing the ball out from the back.

Jonny Evans 6/10

Booked for a clash with Walcott and looked a little rusty after only recently returning from injury.

Patrice Evra 5.5/10

Exposed for Arsenal’s goal as he allowed Walcott to race behind him too easily but he kept the pacey winger relatively quiet after that.

Phil Jones: 7.5/10

Performed well at the heart of United’s midfield and put himself about as he tried to disrupt Arsenal’s passing game.

Michael Carrick 7/10

Couldn’t get near the Gunners midfield in the opening 30 minutes but improved as United settled into the game and was once again a solid base from which the visitors could build counter attacks.

Antonio Valencia 5.5/10

Not the Ecuadorians best game. Found himself well placed at times but his final ball was lacking on several occasions.

Wayne Rooney 6/10

Passing was well off in the early exchanges but improved as the game wore on as he dropped deeper the help out in midfield.

Nani 6/10

Like Valencia, Nani failed to make the most of some openings in the final third. Didn’t look like a player who’s playing for his United future.

Robin van Persie 7/10

Superb penalty to level things up. Coped well with a hostile reception from the Emirates faithful and went close to adding another but saw his close-range header well saved by Szczesny.

Subs

Anderson 5/10 – On for the final 20 minutes but looked rusty.

Ryan Giggs/Javier Hernandez: N/A

You can watch highlights and the goals from the game here.

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