Arsenal v Crystal Palace: Player Ratings

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A hugely frustrating but ultimately fruitful encounter between Arsenal and a Pulis-less Crystal Palace saw Wenger’s side nab three points at the Emirates. Here are the player ratings for the home side:

ARSENAL

Szczesny: 6.9

Arsenal’s current number-one keeper did very little to cement his place ahead of Ospina. While he could do little about the goal, his frantic gesticulating near the end didn’t exactly instill confidence.

Debuchy: 7.2

The right back had a good game today and did well keeping Bolasie in check. He is extremely willing to join attacks and very good when he does, although that tendency can leave him out of position on quick counters.

Koscielny: 7.5

Lost a couple points due to his role in Hangeland’s header, but won them back with a wonderful headed goal from Alexis’ set piece. Steady at the back, and the superior centre-half today.

Chambers: 6.8

Powerful in challenges and very good with the ball at his feet but got a needless booking and is sometimes dragged too far out of position, forcing Arteta to fall back to fill the gaps. Arsenal really do need more cover at centre-half.

Gibbs: 7.2

Forced off due to injury (hamstring) but was adequate at the back. Usual attacking verve was missing, as well as his well-driven crosses from high on the left flank.

Arteta: 7.0

Steady and metronomic, forced to drop deep to support the centre-halves quite often. A valuable player to have on the pitch when Cazorla, Wilshere, and Ramsey are struggling with possession.

Wilshere: 7.3

The engine of Arsenal for much of the match today, he drove forward well and had a good effort turned wide by Speroni. Caught in possession far too often, failed to impress himself upon the proceedings in the later stages of his participation.

Ramsey: 7.4

The Welshman struggled under the pressure from Palace and wasn’t gelling particularly well with Wilshere or Alexis. All that said, he runs forever and was in position when it mattered to score the winner.

Cazorla: 5.8

A harsh number for Cazorla, perhaps, but he looked far off the pace today. Despite a couple great passes in attack, seemed a real liability for much of the second half.

Alexis: 6.4

Not a great league debut for the Chilean. Dispossessed far too often with some suspect passing. Flashes of brilliance continue to be seen and his work rate in defense is incredible. Time to adjust to the league and team is required.

Sanogo: 6.3

His spot in the starting XI must be due to Giroud’s fitness. While Sanogo has the ability to cause trouble with his runs and physical play, he lacks the refined touches and ability to hold the ball up and pick the right pass in the final third. If he was supposed to provide competition for Giroud, today’s performance must have the elder Frenchman breathing easier.

Monreal: 7.4

Came on for an injured Gibbs. Buzzed around nicely and was quick to react to potentially misplayed passes, alleviating pressure on the Arsenal defence well.

Oxlade-Chamberlain: 7.5

The game changed when he was introduced; his drive and power helped punch holes in a resolute Palace defence. Play in the final third left much to be desired, but he did well to cement a spot on the bench.

Giroud: 7.3

Had a real impact on the match, even if it doesn’t appear so at first glance. Maintained great body control to hold off defenders and reach balls played into the box. Once in possession, was good enough with his feet to allow him to lift his head and look for onrushing midfielders.

BONUS:

Jon Moss becomes the first PL referee to spray a cloud of foam particles directly into the face of a player about to take a free kick. The Pain in the Arsenal staff would like to congratulate him on this achievement and maybe recommend it be a one-time-only thing.

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