EPL: Rating the Gunners in their hard fought win over Crystal Palace

Olivier Giroud of Arsenal celebrates scoring their second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park

Arsenal showed grit and great determination as they ground out a 2-0 win against a very positive Crystal Palace side. The Gunners headed into the match looking forward to a comfortable lunch time win against a manageress Palace. With former Gunner Maroune Chamakh leading the Newly promoted side, they looked dangerous from start to finish, wreaking havoc on Szczesny’s goal. Going into the second half, all their hard work was undone as substitute Serge Gnabry was fouled inside the box, awarding Arsenal a penalty.

Mikel Arteta was on hand to slot perfectly from the spot and take the Gunners to a lead. With Palace not giving up, and Arteta getting sent off on the hour mark, a comeback seemed inevitable. But it was not be as a couple of brilliant saves by Wojciech Szczesny denied the home side getting back level. Victory was sealed three minutes from time by a Olivier Giroud header as Arsenal wrapped up three precious points to stay atop of the league.

Here are my player ratings for the win…

Szczesny 8- Earned a clean sheet, earned Arsenal the win. His excellent double save in the second half was the turning point which led the Gunners to victory. This was his only third clean sheet of the season.

Sagna 6.5- Was a constant attacking force from the first minute and his experience played an important role defensively.

Mertesacker 6.5- Distributed the ball well and finally kept a clean sheet. He’ll be looking for more of those in the games to come.

Koscielny 6.5- Did very well against his former team mate, winning the majiority of the battles. Was strong at the back.

Gibbs 6.5- Had to be alert defensively with players like Chamakh and Bannan breathing down his neck. Did extremely well defensively, and was their when a chance to attack.

Flamini n/a – The Frenchman came back from an injury but was inured again ten minutes into the game. Wenger later said that it is a groin problem and it shouldn’t be long.

Arteta 7- A real leader as the Spaniard stepped up to score from the spot and take Arsenal to the lead. Later though, he was shown red, creating tension amongst the Arsenal faithful and the bench.

Ramsey 7.5- A tireless effort once again by the Welshman. From kick off, the man in form looked to get on the scoresheet forcing out a good save out of the Palace goalkeeper. Though he didn’t score this time round, he was on the providing side as the 22 year old set up Giroud to seal the win.

Özil 6.5- The German playmaker was not upto his usual standards and looked out of energy. The record breaking signing did show some signs of his brilliant play but couldn’t get a proper hold oft he game as he would’ve wanted. But, he was the one who urged the team to press forward and win the ball back.

Cazorla 7- Was a bit more threatening than his German teammate but he also didn’t play to his full potential on Saturday. Will want to impose himself more on his return from injury in the games to come.

Giroud 7.5- Sealed the points with a well taken goal and was always available to link up play. One of his exquisite flicks nearly led to a brilliant goal. Has improved his game loads since last season. That’s 8 goals for him this season now.

A good win which showed Arsenal’s character and how far they can go this season. Next four matches will prove vital in deciding Gunners’ fate this campaign. Another week where we can enjoy looking down at the other teams, from the top.

Next match: League Cup round, vs Chelsea, Tuesday, 19:45.

COYG.