[Player Ratings] Crystal Palace 0-2 Arsenal: Giroud Seals It But Szczesny The Hero

Arsenal maintained their excellent away record to beat Crystal Palace 2-0 at Selhurst Park on Saturday thanks to goals from Mikel Arteta and Olivier Giroud.

Here are my Arsenal player ratings:

Szczesny 8.5/10

The Pole was in excellent form, making a crucial double save to deny Palace with the score still at 1-0. If either of those shots went in, I doubt we end up winning the game. MOTM.

Sagna  8/10

Another excellent display from the experienced Frenchman. He was Arsenal’s best defender and held things together with some no-nonsense defending. Should have got an assist for a superb cross for Giroud but the striker put his header wide from close range.

Mertesacker 7/10

Assured display from Per. He didn’t really put a foot wrong and used his experience to keep Palace at bay.

Koscielny 7/10

Like his central defensive partner, Koscielny was calm at the back and did his bit to prevent the hosts from scoring.

Gibbs 7/10

Didn’t get forward as much as I would have liked but was disciplined when we went down to 10-men and stuck to his job well.

Arteta 6/10

Slotted home his penalty well but while he was unlucky to be sent off, I think he was asking for trouble by putting his hands on Chamakh.

Flamini N/A

Off early with a groin injury. Let’s hope it’s nothing serious.

Ramsey 8/10

Another excellent all-round display from the Welshman capped off with a beautiful assist for Giroud’s goal.

Cazorla 6/10

Not at his best today. Was pretty quiet before being subbed.

Ozil 7/10

The German was fairly quiet until we went down to 10-men when his ability to keep hold of the ball under pressure became vital. He wasn’t at his best in front of goal, with a few passes going astray, but still a decent outing in a very difficult away game.

Giroud 7/10

Missed a sitter before sealing the win with a fine header. A mix bag from the Frenchman in terms of all-round play though. He worked hard but his hold-up play wasn’t what it usually is.

Subs:

Gnabry 7.5/10 – Very good outing from the youngster. His positive play won the important penalty and he was always showing for the ball.

Wilshere 6/10 – On the help see the game out after Arteta went off.

Monreal 7/10 – Positive impact from the Spaniard as he looked dangerous from the left wing.

Watch the goals from the game here

Another three points in the bag and with Liverpool, Everton and Manchester United also winning today, it was vital we didn’t relinquish our lead at the top.

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