Arsenal v Sunderland: Player Ratings

WOJCIECH SZCZESNY. 7.2. Didn’t see a great deal of work until later on, but did very well to claim a couple potentially hazardous crosses. Created an alarming chance later in the match with a poor header. Changed direction on his line to save a good header. Will be happy with a clean sheet during a season where they’ve been few and far between.. GK. Arsenal FC

7.5. Chambers did well at right back, though his cross/shot that was saved by Mannone should have found an open Welbeck at the back post. Moved to centre-back after a Gibbs injury forced a reshuffle. Questions to be asked about his positioning but for a young lad, he’s really of a high quality.. RB. Arsenal FC. CALUM CHAMBERS

Despite his midweek comments about lacking motivation, Mertesacker has still been operating sufficiently with a makeshift back line. While not at his usual level, the big German still marshals the line well and snuffed out a couple very good passes on Sunderland breaks.. CB. Arsenal FC. PER MERTESACKER. 7.7

7.3. Monreal has earned some leniency in the ratings of late because he’s being played out of position. Today, he needs no such leniency as he deputised for Laurent Koscielny capably. As is the case in defence, the more the line plays together the better they get, and Monreal is benefiting from that dynamic. Did well against the Sunderland front before being shifted out to left back for the injured Kieran Gibbs.. CB. Arsenal FC. NACHO MONREAL

KIERAN GIBBS. 7.4. Performed well in a physical contest after his wonderful work in the closing minutes against Anderlecht, but the real storyline out of this match will be his injury. If he’s forced to miss time, the defence will be forced to play with three backups in a pivotal stretch of games.. LB. Arsenal FC

7.8. Flamini’s form has steadied since the early season turbulence, and the defensive pairing of Arteta and Flamini worked well against a squad that lacks pace in the attack. He enjoyed a 95% pass completion rate with a lot of work being done in the opponent’s half.  . MID. Arsenal FC. MATHIEU FLAMINI

7.7. For a player in the later stages of his career, being called metronomic is a huge compliment, and Arteta earned that today. He completed 90% of his passes, with the majority of the misses being on long balls. The Arteta-Flamini axis is a good one against teams who lack the pace to punish turonovers.. MID. Arsenal FC. MIKEL ARTETA

MID. Arsenal FC. ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN. 7.0. Here’s the thing with the Ox. Even when he’s not great, he’s still pretty good. A dismal day as far as turnovers were concerned, Oxlade-Chamberlain is still one of the most direct players in the side as he places considerable faith in his physicality and speed. With 5 successful take-ons from 7 attempts, he wins corners better than any other Arsenal player and drives to the end line extremely capably.

6.8. The better run of form Cazorla had been enjoying ground to a halt. Shifted out left to allow Alexis to play in the #10 spot, Cazorla struggled with final balls and delivering quality corners. Two golden chances in the closing stages were hoofed well over the goal, which summed up his day rather nicely.. MID. Arsenal FC. SANTI CAZORLA

MID. Arsenal FC. ALEXIS SANCHEZ. 8.4. <strong>MAN OF THE MATCH – </strong>Yes, both his goals were gifted to him, but neither would have happened if his motor wasn’t running in overdrive for 90 minutes. Alexis doesn’t know how to stop, and that attitude needs to spread to some of his teammates. A cold chip over Mannone for his first made the second look a bit less impressive, but both counted and that’s all that actually matters.

7.3. Just not there for Welbeck today. A couple good chances fell to him, but they weren’t taken with the quality he’s displayed of late. Nothing to worry about for Arsenal here though, as his positioning and work rate are both above reproach.. ST. Arsenal FC. DANNY WELBECK

HECTOR BELLERIN. 7.2. Made mistakes early after being subbed on for Kieran Gibbs, but responded as good footballers should. Should the injury to Gibbs force him to miss time, Bellerin will be a starter in the Premier League as Chambers will shift in to centre-back, forcing Monreal to left back.. SUB. Arsenal FC

Arsenal FC. AARON RAMSEY. 7.0. Came on for Arteta in the 88th minute and completed a few passes before having a shot on goal blocked. Good to be rested for the most part, as he’ll have a part to play in upcoming fixtures.. SUB

SUB. Arsenal FC. TOMAS ROSICKY. 7.0. Completed a pass during his very short time on the pitch. Always nice to do that, isn’t it?