Arsenal v Stoke City: Player Ratings

7.5. Received his second consecutive start, indicating that Szczesny is likely serving a disciplinary sentence. Wasn’t worked too hard but, after a fairly awkward save in the first half, made some good collections and preserved his clean sheet.. GK. Arsenal FC. DAVID OSPINA

7.2. Went down thanks to an Arnautovic shove in the first half and the medical response made it look serious. Likely a shoulder issue. His contribution to this better spell from Arsenal shouldn’t be downplayed. He’s a big improvement on both Bellerin and Chambers in the right back position.. RB. Arsenal FC. MATHIEU DEBUCHY

7.8. A much better showing for the big German, as his partnership with Koscielny helped notch another all-important clean sheet. Had one fantastic tackle in the box and made eight clearances on the day. His battle with Crouch was a plus; the lanky forward never generated any great threats.. CB. Arsenal FC. PER MERTESACKER

LAURENT KOSCIELNY. 7.8. Drifted into space and powered the header past Begovic for the opening goal. Was reliable in defence as well, picking up other runners while Mertesacker dealt with Crouch. Hopefully this is just the beginning of another chapter of fruitful play in their partnership.. CB. Arsenal FC

CB. Arsenal FC. NACHO MONREAL. 7.6. Took an elbow from Crouch that split him, but was strong on the left despite most of the Stoke attacks being generated from that flank. The line dividing him and Gibbs is becoming a bit blurred; he’s no longer strictly second-choice.

MID. Arsenal FC. FRANCIS COQUELIN. 7.5. One-third of his misplaced passes were over 20 yards and fired deep into Stoke territory. Avoided seeing yellow today and battled in the middle of the pitch well, winning 71% of his aerial duels and making three interceptions. He’s played himself into the first-choice slot in the deep-lying, defensive midfield role.

Arsenal FC. ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN. 7.4. We’ve known he’s capable of stinging shots at the keeper for a while now, though it’d be nice to see him put some of those shots on frame. Had six successful take-ons and is a rabid dog on the right flank. His first touch lets him down sometimes, but he’s a great engine to have on the wing or in the midfield.. MID

The squad is better with him in it right now. He’s a driving force and even at his age, he possesses the pace to collapse a defence in the final third. His one-two with Alexis to go up 2-0 was lovely, and he’s a real worker in applying defensive pressure as well.. MID. Arsenal FC. TOMAS ROSICKY. 7.8

SANTI CAZORLA. 8.0. He’s oozing class currently. He’s dropping deeper to collect the ball and driving forward so well. Nearly had a spectacular chipped goal after some lovely tiki-taka. The return of Mesut Ozil should not, and likely will not, relegate him to the bench.  . MID. Arsenal FC

ALEXIS SANCHEZ. 8.7. MAN OF THE MATCH- Oh, quit it, you. Involved in all three goals, Arsenal’s main man sparkled again. He created five chances, notching two goals and an assist. His first goal was ridiculous, jumping on an error in the final third, playing a lovely one-two with Rosicky before tucking it near post.  . MID. Arsenal FC

6.8. Not terribly influential in his first game back from suspension, but he’ll get points for his great battling with Shawcross. Ozil is going to have a positive effect on his form as he gets the opportunity for his little flicks around the edge of the box.. ST. Arsenal FC. OLIVIER GIROUD

Came on in the first half for Mathieu Debuchy and did very well marshalling the right flank. Looked dangerous going forward. Caught out of position a couple times, though Stoke isn’t a side that’s particularly dangerous.. RB. Arsenal FC. HECTOR BELLERIN. 7.0

THEO WALCOTT. 6.6. Yes, he’s lacking match sharpness, but that miss was awful. The speed and timing is there, however, and the finishing will follow.. MID. Arsenal FC

7.0. Great to see him back. No sparkling through balls in his limited action today, but his movement into space was as clever and intelligent as always. Combinations with Alexis, Cazorla, and Theo should have every Arsenal fan excited.. MID. Arsenal FC. MESUT OZIL