[Player Ratings] WBA 1-2 Arsenal: Rosicky The Hero, Mertesacker The Zero

A HUGE 3 points for Arsenal today. Tomas Rosicky put us in total control with a rare double but the sending off of Per Mertesacker, and resulting penalty goal from Morrison, made it an extremely nervy last 20 minutes. But we managed to hang on, just, and seal a vital three points. Here are my Arsenal player ratings from the game:

Arsenal Ratings

Fabianski – 6 – Seemed to be back to his ‘flappy’ best when he flapped at a few crosses during the game and kicking was poor but also showed his bravery on more than one occasion, throwing his body on the line to deny the hosts an opportunity. Also showed great hands to hold on to a Brunt free-kick in the first half.

Sagna – 6 – Poor delivery early on in the first half, he really needs to work on his delivery. Had a great chance to make it 2-0 just after the break but Foster saved and was given a tough time by Lukaku when he was introduced.

Mertesacker – 4 – Was looking comfortable but then seemed to collapse under the pressure when WBA switched to 3 forwards. First he put Koscielny in trouble with a sloppy pass just minutes before he almost cost us the three points when he was caught out of position and was forced to haul down Long in the box. Gave Webb no choice but to show the red card.

Koscielny – 7 – Stayed strong at the back when we were under intense pressure during the final stages and made an incredible 11 clearances during the game.

Monreal – 7 – Was enjoying himself down the left when we were on top and showed his disciplined side when we were under the cosh late on. Great January signing.

Arteta – 7.5 – Was excellent in the first half when his work rate was exceptional, but he seemed to tire in the second half.

Ramsey – 6.5 – Poor tackle on Thomas saw him booked early on which put him under pressure for the rest of the game. Missed an absolute sitter just before half time, screwing wide with just the keeper to beat from 6 yards out following a superb move. But got his head up to assist for Rosicky’s second goal.

Rosicky – 8 – MOTM. Cleared a goal-bound header off the line when at 0-0 then scored a rare double to win us the game. He’d only scored 1 in 60+ appearances before today. The second was a great goal, as he lashed home the rebound after Foster had parried a lovely volley.

Gervinho – 6 – Didn’t reproduce his superb display against Reading last week but did we really expect him to? He did set up the opener with some good work, although his ‘cross’ may have actually been a ‘shot’.

Cazorla – 6 – One lovely through-ball in first half was about his contribution today. Didn’t really get involved as much as he’d have liked and didn’t influence in the final third as we’ve become used to. Still showed signs of his quality in the first half when he was on the ball though.

Giroud – 4 – Great lay-off to tee-up Rambo at the end of the first half but the Welshman failed to convert, but the big Frenchman was largely useless. Hold up play was poor, didn’t win his headers….it just wasn’t his day.

Subs:

Gibbs – 6 – On to see out the game and did little wrong.

Vermaelen – 6 – On for the final 20 minutes and did his bit in keeping the hosts at bay.

Coquelin – N/A

A special mention for the referee, Howard Webb, who was poor throughout. He got the Mertesacker sending off correct, but he made several errors during the game and was booking Arsenal players for fun.

So another massive win in the bag. We’re now fourth in the table and just a point behind Spurs, who host Everton on Sunday. Chelsea welcome Sunderland to the Bridge tomorrow as well so let’s hope for more dropped points and we could be third by this time next week if we beat Norwich. COYG!

If you haven’t seen the goals yet or want to relive the action you can check the highlights out here.

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