Arsenal v West Ham: Player Ratings

Arsenal FC. DAVID OSPINA. 7.8. Wasn’t troubled a great deal, but did well to turn aside the volley in the first half. Took a thigh to the noggin so we’ll hope it’s not too serious. Had a good performance from his defense to thank for the clean sheet.. GK

7.7. While really good in attack, I had some concerns pre-match about Walcott being deployed on the right with a right back who sometimes struggles with his positioning. West Ham had some joy down that flank, but nothing of real, consistent danger.. RB. Arsenal FC. CALUM CHAMBERS

Nearly burned by Sakho once, he definitely likes to stand up against onrushing forwards, which often leaves Koscielny to sweep up behind him. It’s more of a testament to their trust than an actual weakness.. CB. Arsenal FC. PER MERTESACKER. 7.7

Arsenal FC. LAURENT KOSCIELNY. 8.3. Had a wonderful day with the West Ham forwards. Fought well and did wonderfully countless times to pluck the ball off their toes and spray it out to the flank. Arsenal’s best defender on the day.. CB

7.8. Seemed excited to get forward given his <a href=. CB. Arsenal FC. NACHO MONREAL

MID. Arsenal FC. FRANCIS COQUELIN. 7.6. It’s clear that Arsenal misses the distribution quality of Mikel Arteta; Coquelin misfired nine passes in his own half. But he really is a great defensive player, illustrated by his work tracking back 60 yards to make a tackle. Good, but not a great day for the young Frenchman.

AARON RAMSEY. 7.8. Struggled with Ramsey’s rating today. He created 5 chances and worked his way to a beautiful goal with Giroud after being involved in the opener. However, some of his decision making and pass execution left a lot to be desired. Still <a href=. MID. Arsenal FC

MID. Arsenal FC. THEO WALCOTT. 7.2. If he wants any kind of run in the side, or a new contract, he has to improve. We can agree that he gets into dangerous positions, but his finishing is poor and he doesn’t pick his head up well enough. His heat map in defense says it all: 5 extremely pale circles in his own half.

Created 3 chances but suffered from some streaky passing. The problem with Ozil is that it’s <a href=. MID. Arsenal FC. MESUT OZIL. 8.0

7.7. Forced a good near post save after a chested ball before being subbed off for Danny Welbeck in the 65th minute. Seemed like he was always going to be taken off, though he looked a tad uncomfortable in the moments before being withdrawn.. MID. Arsenal FC. ALEXIS SANCHEZ

8.7. MAN OF THE MATCH – He’s special. I think it’s time we all admit it. Olivier Giroud is, in my opinion, the best target man striker in the world. Today he was physically powerful, switched on in attack, scored a wonderful goal, and set up another. His intelligence and one touch passing is the best I’ve seen from a big man in years. Good on you, Oli.. ST. Arsenal FC. OLIVIER GIROUD

7.5. Had a couple good chances to make something happen and didn’t when working into the box on the left flank. Had a good header from a lovely Giroud cross to force a save.. ST. Arsenal FC. DANNY WELBECK

8.4. Came on for about 20 minutes, completed every one of his passes, had an assist and created two chances. Could get used to depth like this.. MID. Arsenal FC. SANTI CAZORLA

Arsenal FC. MATHIEU FLAMINI. 7.5. Glad to see him snag a goal in what will likely be his final season at the Emirates. He also didn’t get a yellow card, which is nice to see.. MID