Arsenal 3-1 Sunderland: Player Ratings

Costel Pantilimon made a few saves but still conceded thrice

Sunderland

Costel Pantilimon – 6/10

His kicking was good throughout the game and he could have done little to stop the first two goals. But the last goal from Aaron Ramsey could have been stopped as he got his hand to it.

Younes Kaboul – 7/10

He had a dodgy couple of minutes in the second half when he could not mark Giroud properly when the Frenchman scored with a header. Overall, he did well to keep Arsenal’s attackers quiet and he also provided great crosses late in the second half.

John O’Shea – 7/10

He was seen providing a calming presence when on the ball and used his veteran head to organize Sunderland’s defensive positioning as well as offside traps. However, he could not stop any of the three goals.

Sebastian Coates – 7/10

He played well alongside Kaboul and O’Shea and was instrumental in stopping Ozil and company from scoring in the whole game as he made several interceptions. It was great positional play from the former Liverpool player at the centre-back position as he took command at the back and stopped Arsenal from getting into the final third, but it was not enough.

Deandre Yedlin – 6/10

He was poor in positioning when he let Campbell get away from him for the first goal. He got better as the game went on. Started the game slowly but contributed in Sunderland’s attacks as well. He was seen making a goal line clearance from Giroud’s header. He just lacked that perfect crossing needed to find goals.

Patrick van Aanholt – 7/10

He was the one player who stood firm throughout the game. He made some runs down the right wing for the visitors, but his crosses were not met by his teammates in good areas. He missed a golden opportunity late in the second half when Hector Bellerin lost him in the box but he shot over the bar.

Yann M’Vila – 7/10

M’Vila played in patches and formed a very stagnant and limited Sunderland midfield with Toivonen that failed to register its dominance on the pitch, often getting overrun by their opposite numbers. He did create the goal with his free-kick which was helped into the net by Olivier Giroud.

Ola Toivonen – 7/10

Toivonen started the game on the slow and low but made some outstanding challenges in the middle of the pitch. He was vigilantly positioned in front of his defence to stop Arsenal from scoring and blocked potential passes meant for the feet of Giroud and Campbell.

Duncan Watmore – 7/10

Watmore won his side the free-kick which eventually led to the Giroud own goal. He was one of the bright performers for the away side but was merely a pedestrian on the pitch at times, though. Quite possibly Sunderland’s rising star but he could have created more and pressed his opponents to regain possession.

Fabio Borini had chances to put Sunderland ahead

Fabio Borini – 5/10

He was the worst performer for the Black Cats on the pitch as he missed two glorious opportunities to score in the first half and was taken off and replaced by Adam Johnson late in the second half. He rarely saw possession in an attacking capacity but was a threat when he did manage to get on the ball. He made some quick runs and showed quick feet which did not trouble Koscielny much.

Steven Fletcher – 6/10

He played well and held up the ball for the visitors. He did come close to scoring for the Black Cats from a corner in the second half, but Petr Cech was present to collect the ball. He showed glimpses of what he is capable of. His immaculate pace and strength was on display against Mertesacker but, unfortunately, he could not produce anything worthy in attack.

Substitutes

Jermain Lens – 6/10

He came on and got into the game, marauded forward and sent some good crosses into the Arsenal box in the second half.

Adam Johnson – 5/10

Johnson came on for Borini, but he did not produce much and could not do anything to turn the game around.

Jack Rodwell – N/A

He did not see much of the ball after coming on but made some attacking runs.