Crystal Palace vs Arsenal : Arsenal Players’ Ratings

Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park thanks to an own goal from Damien Delaney which later turned out to be the winner for Arsene Wenger’s side. The match was a cracker that saw both the London outfits going all-out for the win.

Giroud opened the scoring with a sublime volley across to the far post but his sumptuous strike was cancelled out by a bullet-like grounded strike by Joel Ward. It was end to end stuff by both the teams but Palace succumbed to an own goal after Alexis Sanchez pressured Scott Dann by heading the ball towards goal which was eventually put inside by Delaney.

Here’s how the Gunners fared :

Petr Cech – 7

Had a better better collaboration with the back four today and was comparatively much better than last weekend. Could have done a little bit more on the goal conceded considering his standards.

Hector Bellerin – 6

Decent performance for the young Full Back. Kept Pape Souare at bay on many occasions in the second half but couldn’t display his attacking prowess today.

Per Mertesacker – 6

Failed to keep the Defence tight which eventually led to Delaney’s equalizer. Looked a bit off balance on two or three other occasions.

Laurent Koscielny – 7

Was a solid player for the Gunners at the back. Excellent in the air and was succesful in keeping Wikham in control.

Nacho Monreal – 8

Good game for the Spanish Full back. Was a good attacking influence on the flanks and was solid defensively on the left-hand side for the Gunners. Constantly kept beating players on the run-in.

Santi Cazorla – 7

Displayed immaculate passing skills yet again and was constantly a threat for Arsenal giving through balls left, right and centre.

Francis Coquelin – 5 

Very very lucky not to get sent-off on two occasions and was substituted soon in the second half. Was unable to make a difference in the midfield.

Aaron Ramsey – 6 

Again the same old Ramsey of late. Wasteful in attempts but was good in passing.

Mesut Ozil – 9 (MOTM)

Was the best player on the pitch by a country mile! Should have had a few more assists today if not for Sanchez’s poor finishing. World-class performance from the German midfielder.

Alexis Sanchez – 7

Delivered everything that was expected of the Chilean – energy, pace but was poor in finishing. Had a major role to play in the winner.

Olivier Giroud – 8

A good game for the Frenchman as he looked sharp right from the kickoff. Some smooth flicks and backheels were a good addition to his overall hold-up play and scored a world-class goal.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6 

Good pace displayed by the Englishman but couldn’t make a significant contribution.

Mikel Arteta – 6 

Did what was required of him to see off the game in a composed manner even though there were a few nervy moments.

Kieran Gibbs – N/A

Was a late substitution.