Arsenal vs Southampton - Player ratings and highlights

Olivier Giroud of Arsenal rounds goalkeeper Artur Boruc of Southampton before scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium

Arsenal Player Ratings

Arsenal maintained their lead at the top of the Premier League Table, beating Soutampton by a 2-0 margin. After Saints Goalkeeper Artur Boruc gifted French International Olivier Giroud the opening goal, Per Mertasacker won the penalty late in the second half, which was also converted by Giroud thus handing the Gunners a routine 2-0 win. Southampton had their moments too but failed to take their chances as Arsenal ran away deserving winners. So we here at Soccersouls present you the ratings of all the Arsenal players from the match.

Wojciech Sczezesny: Was rarely tested by the Saints front line but was called into action from a Adam Lallana volley which the Polish saved quite comfortably. However his most testing moment came when he tipped a fantastic Jay Rodriguez strike over the bar.

Rating: 3/5

Bacary Sagna: Had a good game defensively rarely allowing the opposing wing back Luke Shaw any space within the channels out wide. However he didn’t provide any attacking threat.

Rating: 3/5

Per Mertesacker: Was always at the heart of the solid Arsenal defence, had a great week personally with Germany and now with the Gunners. Also won the penalty for his side late into the second half and also help Sczezeny keep a clean sheet.

Rating: 4/5

Laurent Koscielny: Like Mertesacker, was quite assured at the back and produced some brilliant tackles to deny Lambet, Osvaldo, Lallana and Rodriguez any space in the final third.

Rating: 4/5

Kieran Gibbs: Found it easier to go forward in barging attacks as Steven Davis moved to right-back as an injury to Luke Shaw forced a reshuffle for the visiting side.

Rating: 4/5

Mikel Arteta: Had an unusual day at the office putting in a below par performance with quite a number of misplaced passes. Was subbed off in the second half as he went down with a knock.

Rating: 3/5

Aaron Ramsey: Produced a brilliant flick on the outside of his heel only to hit the post early into the game. As usual, he played evidently well with confidence after an excellent start to the season.

Rating: 3/5

Santi Cazorla: Did produce bursts of excellence but would have loved to get himself on the scoresheet. Technically dribbling was brilliant as usual, was later substituted by the returning Theo Walcott in the second half.

Rating: 3.5/5

Mesut Ozil: The German was not at his very best today, but was calm and composed with ball at his feet. He provided a cross for Ramsey to hit the post. However he did move into the channels to bring others into the game. Substituted late in the second half for Nacho Monreal.

Rating: 3/5

Jack Wilshere: Chipped from a very tight angle to hit the post early on. He struck a header which was saved by Boruc and produced in an accomplished performance for a player who has come in for criticism in recent weeks. Had an injury concern but Wenger would be happy that he played a major role in the game.

Rating: 3.5/5

Olivier Giroud: Scored both goals, first one of which was the easiest he would ever score. Did very well holding the ball up for his team mates to join in. Scored from the spot to seal the game late on.

Rating: 4/5