Crystal Palace vs Arsenal: Player ratings

Wojciech Szczesny pulls off a spectacular save against Crystal Palace

Here are the player ratings:

Szczesny 8.5/10

A well deserved man of the match award for the Polish shot stopper. With 10 men and Arsenal on the back foot, his two world class saves and especially the save off the volley from Jelinak was the sole reason Arsenal took three crucial points to the Emirates.

Sagna 8/10

A spirited and determined performance from the French International. Made constant interceptions and his forward runs were useful.

Gibbs 7/10

An usual game for the left back. All round looked decent but his constant forward runs can be worked upon to get a better output.

Mertesacker 7.5/10

A good solid game from the experienced center-half. Took matters on his own in the final 20 minutes of the game when the Gunners played with 10 men.

Koscielny 7.5/10

Worked hard and not a single foot kept wrong. kept the likes of Chamakh and Thomas at bay throughout the game.

Flamini – Nothing to rate here

A definite worrying sign ahead of Arsenal’s tuff November. The midfielder was subbed off as early as the 6th minute and Wenger has confirmed that he has suffered groin injury.

Arteta 7/10

I am not sure what would be the correct rating for the Arsenal captain. Played a good game, scored a penalty whcih broke palace’s resistance and helped to calm things down in the heart of Arsenal’s engine after Flamini was subbed off. However, received a debatable red card late in the game which for me seemed a bit harsh.

Ramsey 7.5/10

Looked a bit tired in the first half but grew in stature as the game went on and his good form in front of the goal continued as he delivered a waited cross to Olivier Giroud who headed Arsenal’s second goal to finish off things.

Cazorla 7/10

The Spaniard is yet to recover from his ankle injury completely. Had a decent game and delivered a couple of dangerous crosses. With one or two games down the line, the midfielder should be back to his best.

Ozil 6.5/10

A below par game for Arsneal’s main man. Although Arsenal tried to involve him in the attacking play, Palace defenders were all over the German and were successful in isolating him.

Giroud 8/10

A good goal to round off an excellent performance. Giroud took his personal tally to 8 goals yesterday with his unstoppable header from close range thanks to a pin point delivery from Ramsey.

Substitutes:

Gnabry 8/10

His brilliant foot work inside the penalty box earned Arsenal’s first goal. Although he was on the bench at the start of game, the youngster had to come on as early as the 6th minute to replace Flamini, but made use of his opportunity to the maximum.

Monreal 7/10

Brought on to help Arsenal’s ten men and did the job to perfection.

Wilshere 7/10

Although he should have been rested, Jack was brought on to defend Arsenal’s lead as Palace tried to threaten to get back into the game. Contributed well to the cause to help Arsenal to a 2-0 away win.