Sunderland 0 - 1 Arsenal: Player Ratings

Sunderland

Simon Mignolet: 7.5

Was solid in the first half and made some really good saves from one on one positions. Didn’t have much to do in the second.

Danny Rose: 5

Let Walcott run rings round him throughout and he was lucky that he didn’t score. Was subbed off due to a hamstring injury.

Lee Cattermole: 4

Was up against a very combative Wilshere and had to bring him down many times. Was subbed off at half time due to injury.

Craig Gardner: 5

Was passable defensively. He did go forward on a few occasions but his final ball was terrible.

John O’Shea: 7

Played really well with a very clever reading of the game. Managed his positions well both in defense and offense.

Titus Bramble: 6

Was good for the most part, making some good tackles and clearances but when Arsenal were in the ascendancy, he just couldn’t keep up with their smooth style of play.

Alfred Ndiaye: 5

Started the game well and was found in many attacking positions but his touch on the ball let him down a lot. This pushed him back as the game progressed where he didn’t do particularly well.

Jack Colback: 6

Worked very hard in the midfield as he tried to break up the play and did it well for the most part. Caused Jenkinson to make the challenge which earned him his first booking.

Adam Johnson: 4.5

Wasn’t allowed to move thanks to Monreal’s marking of him and never really got into the game save for a few shots off target.

Steven Fletcher: 5

Was not the big guy’s game as he could’ve scored on at least 3 separate occasions but had an inspired Arsenal goalkeeper to handle. Also wasted a few chances on goal. Still he did work hard for the cause.

Stephane Sessegnon: 7

Was the shining light of Sunderland’s play and was very prominent in the second. Forced Jenkinson to make his second bookable offense and was Sunderland’s biggest attacking threat.

Substitutions

Sebastian Larsson: 5

Replaced Cattermole on the half. Attacked well with good delivery but came to nothing much in the end.

David Vaughan: N/A

Came on for Rose but didn’t contribute much

Danny Graham: 5

Was a bit of a threat for the little time he was on but didn’t come up with the needed goal . Showed good potential though.

Arsenal

Wojciech Szczesny: 7.5

Didn’t have to do much in the first half but was the sole reason why Arsenal won the match in the end. Made some unbelievable saves, including a one-on-one block and a world class reflex save

Bacary Sagna: 7

Played at centre back due to Kocielny’s late injury but looked much more secure than when he was at his wing back position. Managed to contain Fletcher and made some important blocks at the end.

Nacho Monreal: 5

Wasn’t a reassuring presence at the back as Sessegnon easily played around him in the first half. Handled Johnson in the second half though.

Carl Jenkinson: 4

Was a last minute inclusion into the team and was the first to return after he was sent off for two bookings. Was never confident on the ball and made reckless tackles.

Per Mertesacker: 6.5

Was a beast in the air and kept Fletcher in check. Was confident on and off the ball and made some really good tackles and clearances as well.

Mikel Arteta: 6.5

Unspectacular but was tidy in possession and always found his man while passing. Initiated many attacks, especially in the second half.

Jack Wilshere: 7

Showed his grit and determination throughout the game as he gave his heart for the Arsenal cause. Was involved in their attack and tracked backed as well. Was the driving force of the Arsenal side until he was withdrawn after picking up a knock.

Theo Walcott: 6

Was involved in the build up to Cazorla’s goal with some clever play. Made some very close attempts on goal and should have scored at least twice. Occupied dangerous positions but just couldn’t get the ball into the net.

Aaron Ramsey: 6.5

Should have scored when he was through on goal but could only direct it towards Mignolet. Worked well with Arteta and switched roles with the attackers well.

Olivier Giroud: 6

Didn’t make many attempts on goal and should have showed a little more intent in the dying minutes. Made some good passes and combined well with Cazorla.

Santi Cazorla: 7

Took his goal incredibly well in a crowded penalty box and directed it home. Didn’t have much of a direct influence through much of the game though he burst into life occasionally and Arsenal looked really menacing when he was involved.

Substitutes

Ignasi Miquel: N/A

Came on for Walcott with 5 minutes left

Abou Diaby: 6

Took over Wilshere’s job, maybe not as effectively, but managed to keep his game simple and continued the good forward play.