Arsenal vs Sunderland Player Ratings: Alexis Sanchez MOTM

Arsenal reminded Sunderland that they, in fact, have no hope as the Gunners pushed out a massive 4-1 win. Here are the player Ratings.

Arsenal looked in control and dominant early on, grabbing the first goal via a wonderful connection between the Ox and Alexis. Although Cech and Mustafi combined to forfeit a penalty that would level the game, the Gunners rose to the occasion and put all hopes to bed.

They also sent home nearly half the stadium in the 77th minute when my man Olivier Giroud slotted homed his second. Let’s get into the fun stuff, the player ratings:

6.1. A victim of the match. Didn’t have much to do. The only thing he did do was try to clean up after a Mustafi mistake, which he made a right hash of. No worries, we all know what he is capable of when called into action,. GK. Arsenal FC. PETR CECH

6.8. Oddly enough, Bellerin didn’t have much to do either. Most of the action took place on the opposite side of the pitch. The Spaniards speed was, as always, on full display.. RB. Arsenal FC. HECTOR BELLERIN

6.9. Mustafi is a really interesting defender. All match he can look like the bees knees, then in one mistake he looks like Squillaci. The good news is, he is only ever making one mistake maximum per match, if that. The bad news is those are usually massive mistakes.. CB. Arsenal FC. SHKODRAN MUSTAFI

7.4. Did everything he needed to do. Not a lot was asked of these first three Arsenal defenders, or of Cech,. but Koscielny was the one to answer most of what was asked of him.. CB. Arsenal FC. LAURENT KOSCIELNY

He’s done it. He’s gone and showed the world that he has just been patiently biding his time. Gibbs was unreal today. He stole the spotlight from Bellerin by doing everything Bellerin normally does. He nabbed an assist, smashed the post, dominate the airwaves and did everything possible on both ends of the ball. Sorry, Nacho. You’ve been had.. LB. Arsenal FC. KIERAN GIBBS. 8.7

Arsenal FC. MOHAMED ELNENY. 7.7. The difference between Elneny against Boro and Elneny against Sunderland was plain to see. I feel like Wenger had a word in his ear just telling him to be more active and pressure the ball. He did that and he did it magnificently. Made far better use of his touches.. CDM

7.8. Coquelin is fierce. Like a lion in the middle of a herd of zebras. He feels no pain. He fears no pain. He is a mean, mean midfielder. And he is Arsenal’s. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Coquelin was rock solid against Sunderland, just like we would expect.. CDM. Arsenal FC. FRANCIS COQUELIN

8.2. What a return from this young man. Did everything right. His defensive ability resembled that of Alexis, his cross was magnificent and he managed to bring into question’s Walcott’s starting position with one appearance.. MID. Arsenal FC. ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN

7.0. You can see what he is trying to do. He heard what Wenger said about him being nervy in front of goal and he shot more. The problem is, it felt out of character. Needs to settle himself down and discover his game, not just keep taking advice and applying it 100% without asking questions. The development is still underway.. MID. Arsenal FC. ALEX IWOBI

I don’t want to gloat, but did I, or did I not stake a claim to Ozil getting his assisting boots back when Giroud returned? Anyway, great game from Ozil. Should have had a goal, but nobody’s perfect (except Giroud).. MID. Arsenal FC. MESUT OZIL. 8.0

9.3. MAN OF THE MATCH. What doesn’t he do? It’s amazing that he can go from looking so frustrated against Boro to so, well, perfect against Sunderland. Alexis was everywhere. It’s usually a good thing when the opposing fans are booing you by the end of the match. It means you’ve pissed them off.. ST. Arsenal FC. ALEXIS SANCHEZ

9.2. Technically, the man should get a 10.0. 11 touches, two goals. He didn’t have a bad touch. He made the biggest impact of the match, both goals showed extreme technical ability and composure and it will be hard to justify keeping him on the bench. Couldn’t be happier for Oli G and his beard.. SUB, ST. Arsenal FC. OLIVIER GIROUD

6.8. I didn’t even notice he had come on. Was too busy freaking out over Olivier Giroud. Then I saw the highlighter hair and the shots started raining. The Welshman looked rusty, but that’s top be expected. Was already doing his token thing, popping up in fantastic positions. Things are going to get interesting!. SUB, MID. Arsenal FC. AARON RAMSEY

Next: Arsenal: 30 Greatest Players In History

SUB, MID. Arsenal FC. AINSLEY MAITLAND-NILES. 6.3. Didn’t do much, but he looked like one of the boys. Great to see a youth infusion.