Arsenal v Hull City: Player Ratings

GK. Arsenal FC. DAVID OSPINA. 7.0. Wasn’t exposed to much trouble, though came out and dealt with crosses  quite calmly. Ospina manages to keep the tempo of Arsenal up a bit more consistently as he’ll routinely play a short throw into the path of a departing midfielder rather than wait for a more lengthy distribution.

6.8. Left Coquelin out to dry with a poor back pass early in the proceedings, but is a tremendous threat going forward because of his speed. That same speed helps bail him out of situations where his positioning is poor, but he’s learning and improving.. RB. Arsenal FC. HECTOR BELLERIN

6.9. Returned to the role in the centre, moving Mertesacker over to the LCB position. The defensive line wasn’t subjected to a great deal of stress, though the ridiculousness at Southampton was nowhere to be found. Did well against a physical squad.  . CB. Arsenal FC. CALUM CHAMBERS

Becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with the pendulum that is Per Mertesacker. He was good with Chambers. Then he was bad with Monreal. Then he was good with Monreal. Then he was good with Koscielny. Then he was bad with Koscielny. He did well with Chambers today, and nodded home the opener from three yards out.. CB. Arsenal FC. PER MERTESACKER. 7.4

7.3. Got turned embarrassingly easily by Ince at one point, but other than that he was extremely stable. Seems to have gotten more physically powerful this season and is showing it. Had a magnificent interception on a dangerous Hull break just moments before Arsenal put the match out of reach.. LB. Arsenal FC. NACHO MONREAL

MID. Arsenal FC. FRANCIS COQUELIN. 7.3. He’s not the defensive midfielder Arsenal deserves, but seems a better option than Flamini. Despite Flamini’s improved pass ratings, he lacks pace. Coquelin isn’t the speediest customer but he has a nice turn and a physical tackle. Could have been sent off late for a brash two-footed tackle. Don’t get Coq-y.

TOMAS ROSICKY. 7.6. Rosicky enjoys a wonderful understanding with Santi Cazorla, and they’re both similar players. Rosicky drives hard to collapse defences, while Cazorla tends to float at the edge and pick passes to allow for that action. Another very good game for Rosicky, who is turning into a must start.. MID. Arsenal FC

7.7. One of the aspects of Cazorla’s game that is often overlooked is his work rate. Until the last whistle, Cazorla continues to drive the attacks, and he could have had a couple assists today with some sumptuous balls in to Walcott.. MID. Arsenal FC. SANTI CAZORLA

THEO WALCOTT. 6.6. The speed is definitely there, but he’s very rusty with his touches in the final third and his finishing. Not surprising given he’s been out for a year, but this performance should do nothing but encourage Arsenal fans.. ST. Arsenal FC

6.3. Movement was very good and he’s extremely switched on defensively, but he’s not match fit and his decision making in the final third is stunningly awful.. ST. Arsenal FC. JOEL CAMPBELL

ST. Arsenal FC. ALEXIS SANCHEZ. 8.3. MAN OF THE MATCH – Wonderful turn and shot for Arsenal’s second, and was denied a couple other times by fantastic saves/clearances. If he sees work with Walcott in the future, defending that front line will be nearly impossible.

Came on for Theo and did his thing, driving at the Hull defence from the word “go”. The main concern coming out of this match will be a potential injury, which would leave Arsenal’s midfield woefully thin.. MID. Arsenal FC. ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN. 7.2