[Player Ratings] Arsenal 2-1 QPR: Sanchez’s Magic Makes Up For Giroud’s Stupidity

Arsenal held on to secure an important 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers this evening thanks to goals from Alexis Sanchez and Tomas Rosicky, but Olivier Giroud will have some explaining to do after a needless red card almost cost us the points.

Here are my ratings:

Szczesny 6/10 | Had practically nothing to do in the opening half but more involved after we were reduced to 10.

Debuchy 7/10 | Positive display down the right and was always keen to get forward. Unlucky to give away the penalty as he clearly got a touch on the ball.

Mertesacker 8/10 | Superb at the back. Kept Austin pretty quiet and made some important headed clearances.

Monreal  7.5/10 | Strong display in an unfamiliar role. Swept up behind Mertesacker well.

Gibbs 7/10 | Put in some dangerous crosses and one led to the opening goal for Sanchez. No problems down his flank defensively either.

Flamini 7/10 | Quietly went about his job in front of the defence.

Cazorla 8/10 | Another excellent all-round performance from Cazorla. Much of our good work went through him.

Rosicky 7.5/10 | Justified his surprise start with a well taken goal and an energetic display.

Alexis 8.5/10 | The hero once again, despite his early penalty miss. Opened the scoring, set-up the second and actually UPPED his work-rate once Giroud went off – if that’s even possible.

Giroud 4/10 | Got himself needlessly sent off and invited pressure from the visitors in a game that Arsenal were cruising in. We’ll now have to make-do without him for the next three games as well.

Welbeck  6/10 | Worked hard and put himself about but wasn’t a threat on goal.

Subs:

Chambers (6), Coquelin (NA)

Watch the goals from the game here

West Ham up next on Sunday before another away game at Southampton three days later. If we win those two, we’ll be right back in the top four.