Arsenal v Besiktas: Player Ratings

A match that earned every bit of its midweek status ended 0-0, setting up a North London showdown when Besiktas visit Arsenal at the Emirates. Chances were had for each squad which is impressive in its own right, given the playing surface more closely resembled a farmer’s field instead of a football pitch.

Szczesny: 7.3

Ba rattled the crossbar in the opening seconds (literally) but the keeper played a larger role in denying him after a rather well-struck volley. Besiktas had their chances, but Szczesny was there when called upon and marshaled his line with a bit more calm than the opener against Crystal Palace.

Debuchy: 7.0

He’s very good going forward as we already know, but he’s also done his part to insulate young Calum Chambers on their half of the pitch. A lovely little bit of control and a nice turn of speed helped carve room for a couple crosses into the box.

Chambers: 7.0

A poor clearance could have had disastrous consequences in the first half, but he was steady for the most part and defended crosses well. Made a mess of a header later on, but the occasion and a mostly stable performance sees him break into the “7” range.

Koscielny: 7.2

You’d be hard pressed to find me another centre-half I’d want Chambers cutting his teeth next to while the wait for the return of Mertesacker continues. No saving grace from him on set-pieces today, but he did what he’s paid to do and did it well.

Monreal: 6.9

Just by comparing Monreal and Gibbs it’s clear to see who would be first choice. Monreal appears wild at times, but he is effective. The Besiktas attackers made some inroads against him, but he held his ground adequately. Normally a good attacker when he bombs forward, his sprints to the end line were missing today, though he’s capable of a lovely early ball in as well.

Arteta: 6.8

Forced off early due to an ankle knock, he’s one it’s a bit uncomfortable to imagine being out. Flamini provides like-for-like cover in that position, but Arteta is no spring chicken anymore and Flamini + lots of game time = yellow and red, oh me, oh my. He connected on the most passes of any player in the Premier League on opening weekend, and that metronomic distribution could be missed going forward.

Wilshere: 6.8

It’s a big year for little Jack and, while his performance against Besiktas was superior to his outing against Palace, he’s not pulling strings like he’s capable of doing. That’s not to say he’s coughing up hairballs. Once this squad can mesh and operate more confidently together, he’ll rise again. He’ll almost certainly get another crack at this Besiktas squad despite Ozil’s return, given Ramsey’s dismissal.

Ramsey: 6.9

No late goal to save his rating this time. Not a bad outing for the Welshman, but he’s suffering from the same malaise affecting the other attackers. They aren’t on the same page. His sending off was a bit harsh, but he was under yellow already and he knew that when he stuck that arm out.

Cazorla: 6.6

Much better than in his time against Palace, the little Spaniard still appears off the pace. His incisive passing is nearly non-existent and he’s been shaky when receiving the ball. Could have been replaced by Rosicky much earlier.

Alexis: 7.1

Still no hat-trick? Obviously nicking a living at the Emirates. Alexis used his speed to great effect in opening some doors for the attack, but the human ball repulsion system that was Olivier Giroud didn’t deliver the reward the Chilean earned.

Giroud: 5.9

Now it becomes apparent just why Sanogo was preferred at Palace. Giroud is miles off the pace and, while still valuable as a substitute, is a bit of a liability when neither his feet nor head are reading the same book as his teammates. Expect a shout to go up for a striker worthy of this midfield.

Oxlade-Chamberlain: 7.4

He delivered on his nickname, driving into the box before a display of two lovely touches and a tremendous shot that rang off the post. The Ox is probably the most valuable substitute available when a starting XI like this one is deployed.

Flamini: 6.8

Succeeded in getting a yellow card.

Rosicky: n/a

Were I the one being paid to make big decisions, I could have done with Rosicky replacing Cazorla with twenty or thirty minutes to spare. Always fiercely positive and tenacious in defence, if you need some late energy, he’s your guy.

BONUS:

Pitch: 0.4/10

I heard an unconfirmed rumour that the stadium is used for high-profile cows to graze in relative isolation from their less well-to-do cousins. And it looked like it.