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What a game, what a result, what a performance! Arsenal rise to second in the Premier League table ahead of the international break and have firmly put themselves amongst the contenders for the league title.
Here, Jonathan Kaney gives his player ratings after a superb game all around! Let us know your ratings in the comments!
Peter Cech – 9
Cech was excellent and showed exactly why we signed him with two excellent saves from Martial and Schweinsteiger. Had nothing to do for long periods, but showed his invaluable experience by being alert to danger when it mattered.
Hector Bellerin – 8
Was lively in attack, solid in defence and made United’s pacey wingers look slow. Bellerin is maturing into a superb right back and performances like this in big games will only enhance his confidence.
Per Mertesacker – 7.5
The big German marshalled the defence well and United barely had a sniff for most of the game. Held off their desperate long ball tactics in the second half with ease and despite a couple of shaky moments, gave an encouraging performance after his recent injury.
Gabriel – 8
Steadily becoming the player we hoped he would be. Nullified United’s attack, chases every ball with tenacity and was a wall for United’s attackers. Very solid performance from a player who could become our first choice centre-back very soon.
Nacho Monreal – 7.5
Another accomplished performance from the vastly underrated Spaniard. Has a great relationship with Sanchez down the left-hand side and is crucial to setting off attacks.
Santi Cazorla – 8
One of his best performances in the centre of midfield, Cazorla was involved in absolutely everything for the whole game. His class, calmness on the ball and eye for a pass is unbelievable.
Francis Coquelin – 8
Controlled the midfield excellently and gave world cup winner Schweinsteiger a lesson. Broke up United attacks and dictated the play. Important as ever. Solid as ever.
Aaron Ramsey – 9
Excellent all over. Didn’t get as much credit as he should have from the media as he missed a good chance, but his work-rate, pressing and passing was sensational. Seems low on confidence after a goal drought, but what an important player he is.
Mesut Ozil – 9.5
If Ozil continues playing like for the rest of the season, we have a lot to look forward to. A majestic creative and goal scoring performance from the classy German and proof that he is still one of the best number 10’s in the world.
Alexis Sanchez – 10
Amazing. Just amazing. He made United’s right-back Darmian look like a Sunday League player and was unplayable. His passion and aggression is infectious and set the tone for the whole game. His two goals were both superb and after a dip in form, Sanchez is back. Defenders beware.
Theo Walcott 9.5
Will be gutted not to bag a deserved goal, however, will be thrilled with his performance up front. He held the ball up superbly, was a constant threat behind the United back line with his pace and movement and created two goals. Received a standing ovation when he came off and is making it impossible for Wenger to drop him for Giroud at the moment.
Substitutes
Olivier Giroud – 6.5
Came on to add a physical dimension to the attack. Held the ball up well, but had little impact apart from missing a chance that he will be disappointed with himself he didn’t score.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7
Was lively when he came on and played well. Saw an effort smash the bar and will be gutted it didn’t go in to cap off an amazing victory.
Kieran Gibbs – 6.5
Has a real battle on his hands for the left back slot, but played effectively when he came on to see out the game.
