Player Ratings: Arsenal vs Manchester United

Manchester United and Arsenal met at the Emirates with the champions aiming at surpassing the record points haul set by Chelsea, and Arsenal had their mind fixed on qualification for the UEFA Champions League for the next season. The game also marked the return of the talismanic Dutchman, Robin van Persie, who incidentally entered the home dressing room as old habits die hard.

The match was indeed a spicy affair, and with Phil Dowd brandishing a card at nearly every half-tackle, this one was sure to go down to the wire. Let’s have a look at how did each player contribute to the game, who stood out, and who failed to do so.

MANCHESTER UNITED:

David de Gea:- 6/10

Could have done a bit better with Walcott’s goal by probably closing in earlier and making the angle a bit more challenging to shoot at, kept Cazorla’s efforts from distance at bay. Was a little wasteful in his distribution and hurried clearances, looked tense on the ball with the Arsenal players closing down quickly. Apart from the three saves, he never had much to do.

Rafael: 5.5/10

It was a mediocre performance from the Brazilian right-back, didn’t have that attacking edge that has earned him plaudits this season. Picked up a yellow card that prompted Sir Alex to take him off in the second half.

Ferdinand: 7.5/10

His positioning and defending was top-class. Had nothing much to do, but was good when called upon. Fended off Podolski with ease.

Evans: 6/10

Was very good with his timely interceptions, but should have closed Rosicky down quicker, who had acres of space to release Walcott to open the scoring at the Emirates.

Evra: 6/10

A solid game by the Frenchman, who had very little to do. He did play Walcott offside, but could have influenced the decision by stepping back.

Phil Jones: 6/10

Was present in the midfield to put in few tackles and control the pace of the game, but his passes were sloppy and he conceded a few cheap fouls. Had two chances to put the ball in the back of the net. Became solid defensively in the second half.

Carrick: 7/10

Another solid performance by the Englishman who didn’t seem to be budged by Arsenal’s pressing game. Dominant at the back and sprayed passes around the field.

Valencia: 6.5/10

Didn’t have a good game, his crosses were especially disappointing. Was at fault for giving away the ball which led to Podolski’s chance.

Rooney: 5.5/10

Looked sloppy in midfield, lacked that killer instinct when it came to passing in the final third. This man needs some motivation and has to boost his confidence significantly.

Nani: 6.5/10

Took defenders on and seemed to show a glimpse of his old self with tricks and his trademark cut-ins and shoot from the right. Was a little sloppy with passes and frustrates with his back towards the goal.

Robin van Persie: 7/10

His misplaced pass led to Arsenal’s early opener, but had the patience to score a penalty under pressure and secure a point for the Old Trafford outfit. Was closed quickly down by Koscielny and Mertesacker and not given much room to make space for a pop on goal.

SUBS:-

Anderson: -

Came on with 15 mins to go, didn’t have much influence on the game.

Ryan Giggs: -

Came in late for Nani, was presented with a chance right at the death, but hesitated in shooting with his favorite left foot, choosing to go with his less reliable right foot.

Chicharito: -

Came into the game for a lacklustre Rooney, couldn’t do much to influence the game.

ARSENAL:

Szczesny: 6/10

Didn’t have much to do on the night, saved a van Persie header with his face, was thoroughly beaten by van Persie’s penalty though.

Sagna: 4.5/10

Was quite sloppy with his passing, his crosses were all wayward, and was responsible for handing van Persie the initiative of scoring from 12 yards.

Mertesacker: 6/10

Didn’t have much defending to do, but he and Sagna didn’t give van Persie space to turn and have a pop at goal, they were tight on the Dutchman and did well to intercept the occasional forward passes.

Koscielny: 7/10

A great game for the Frenchman, was given the job of closing down on van Persie which he did with great panache.

Gibbs: 6.5/10

Put in some great challenges and did his best to stop Valencia. His ball in the final third was a let down at times.

Rosicky: 7.5/10

Easily Arsenal’s best player on the night, released Walcott en route for their first goal, and had a pop at goal himself. However, his decision to go with his weaker foot was a bad one.

Mikel Arteta: 6.5/10

Had the task of keeping Rooney quite and snapping at his heels when presented with the opportunity and did that part of it very well. Passing could have been a bit better from the ex-Evertonian.

Ramsey: 6.5/10

Performed well in midfield, especially in closing down and pressing high up the field, succeeded in opening up the play on a few occasions. Was later sloppy with his passes and so was removed for Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Cazorla: 6/10

Had two decent attempts on goal, never really troubled the defense with his vision and wasted a free-kick late on in the game.

Podolski: 5.5/10

Was a mere spectator in the game, rarely had a chance on goal. Was ineffective up front and was taken care of by Rio and Evans. Subbed for Gervinho later in the game.

Walcott: 6/10

Scored an early goal which was very much offside, never built on that early momentum and died down as the game progressed.

SUBS:

Jack Wilshere: 6/10

Introduced into the game for Rosicky, but couldn’t carry on from Rosicky’s good work.

Oxlade-Chamberlain: -

Came on too late to influence the game.

Gervinho: 5/10

Never really had an impact in the game as a substitute.