[Player Ratings] Sunderland 1-3 Arsenal: Ozil Sublime But Ramsey The Hero Again

Arsenal ran out 3-1 winners over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon thanks largely to a second half double form the in-form Aaron Ramsey.

Olivier Giroud opened the scoring before Craig Gardner made it 1-1 from the spot after Laurent Koscielny had given away a penalty early in the second half. The Gunners were given a scare but eventually eased to victory thanks to Ramsey’s fine strikes.

Here are my ratings:

Szczesny 6/10

Not his busiest afternoon in goal but did what was required of him. Sent the wrong way for the penalty and only other shot of note was easily saved from Altidore.

Jenkinson 6/10

Not afraid to get forward and support the attacks but left exposed by Walcott on a few occasions. Particularly the second half when Johnson caused problems.

Sagna 7/10

The best of Arsenal’s defenders. He looks comfortable in the middle but did get lucky when he lost out to Altidore, who went on to score, only for the referee to bring it back for a foul and only branded the Frenchman a yellow.

Koscielny 6/10

Not his best day at the office. Crazy decision to dive in and give away another penalty, which could have cost the Gunners two valuable points on another day. Looked a little shaky throughout.

Gibbs 6.5/10

More comfortable in defence than Jenkinson and also got forward to help out further up the field with Wilshere drifting inside leaving the left flank open.

Ramsey 8.5/10

Superb. Easily the Man of the Match. Scored two excellent goals in another all-action display. Turning into the surprise package of the season.

Flamini 7/10

A very encouraging debut for the Frenchman. His terrier-like energy in midfield could be vital for Arsenal this season and his positional sense and defensive instincts are something this side has lacked in midfield in recent years.

Wilshere 7/10

Started in the unfamiliar left side of midfield but was constantly coming inside to link-up with Ozil during the first half, which was a joy to watch at times.

Ozil 8/10

Superb debut from the £42.5m man. He ran the show in the first half, setting up the opener and creating numerous other goal-scoring opportunities. He was less involved after the break as Sunderland came into the game, and he was eventually subbed but you can see he’s going to be a real hit at the Emirates.

Walcott 5/10

Disappointing show. Missed a number of chances in the opening 45 minutes to add to the scoreline, in fact he could easily have had a hat-trick, but it wasn’t his day.

Giroud 7.5/10

A real handful. Another excellent finish for the opening goal and was unlucky not to get an assist when he sent Walcott clear. Worryingly looks like he picked up a knock late on.

Subs:

Vermaelen N/A

On too late

Monreal N/A

On too late

Akpom N/A

On too late

A great win for Arsenal and one that sends them top of the Premier League table ahead of Liverpool’s game at Swansea on Monday.

If you missed the game, watch the goals here.

What were your player ratings from the game? Share your views below.