The international break seemed like it lasted a life-time, but Arsenal were finally back in action this afternoon. Going into the game, the Gunners were on a magnificent five game winning streak and were looking to make it six against a Swansea side with new man Bob Bradley at the helm.
Traditionally, the Swans had proved tricky customers at the Emirates, winning three out of their last four Premier League visits to Arsenal. The Gunners took control early on and Shkodran Mustafi saw his header bounce off the bar. Arsenal were rewarded for their dominance when Theo Walcott turned home after Jordi Amat failed to clear. It was soon 2-0 when that man again, Theo Walcott, found himself with time in the box to control, turn and shoot past the hapless Lukas Fabianksi.
Arsenal were cruising when five minutes before half time, Granit Xhaka was dispossessed and Gylfi Sigurdsson curled a fine left-footed effort past Petr Cech. Arsenal were rumbled and were lucky not to concede soon after from a set-piece.
The second half saw the Gunners take control once more; after Theo Walcott saw his shot saved by Fabianski, Arsenal regained their two goal lead through a fine volley from the birthday boy, Mesut Ozil. But the game was far from over…
Borja Baston pulled another one back for the visitors before Swansea had a plethora of chances to get level. Granit Xhaka saw red, perhaps harshly, to intensify the Gunners problems. Walcott hit the post and the bar before the whistle finally came to signal Arsenal’s sixth win on the spin.
And breathe… Here’s a look at the Player Ratings…
Alexis Sanchez: 7
Another good showing from Arsenal’s front man as he continues to grow into the role of a centre forward. Provided an excellent assist for Ozil’s goal and looked a constant threat. The Chilean did make the wrong decision at times, but today his good work outweighed the bad.
Alex Iwobi: 7
Alex had a quiet game by his high standards. Saw very little of the ball in the first half as Arsenal’s attacks came down the right hand side. But in the second half, he produced a sublime bit of skill to beat three Swansea players which eventually set up Walcott who fired straight at Fabianski.
Mesut Ozil: 7
The birthday boy had a decent game. He scored an excellent close range volley to put Arsenal 3-1 up and set up some very promising attacks. Mesut is slowly clicking in to gear with three goals already in this campaign.
Theo Walcott - 8
The goal machine. Bagging seven for Arsenal already this campaign, Theo is the go-to man for Arsenal to find the back of the net. He was unfortunate not to get more than two, hitting the post and the bar. He certainly should have had more today, but if he can find that little bit extra to finish those, we may be looking at a golden boot winner.
Santi Cazorla - 6
Santi played a more box-to-box role this afternoon, leaving Granit to do the defensive work. The Spaniard had little effect on the game bar a few nice one-two’s with his fellow midfielders. Did not offer enough support to the back four when required.
Granit Xhaka: 6
Grant played some nice stuff in the first half – pinging balls forward to break the Swansea press. But his poor control lead to the Welsh sides first goal at a time when Arsenal were cruising. The sending off was harsh and would’ve only been a booking on another day.
Nacho Monreal: 5
Not Nacho’s finest day in Arsenal colours. He was skinned time and time again by Swansea winger Barrow and found himself out of position on a number of occasions. Kieran Gibbs will be eyeing a start in midweek.
Laurent Koscielny: 7
A little better than his centre half counterpart. Made some key tackles to stop the excellent Barrow and kept his composure in the latter stages to keep Arsenal ahead.
Shkodran Mustafi: 6
Shkodran looked a bit off the pace today. Struggled to get to grips with the Swansea forward line as they played without a focal striker. The German was also caught ball watching for the second goal.
Hector Bellerin: 7
Hector had a solid game. Provided a constant threat down the right but lacked the killer pass to see off some fine moves. Struggled in the air in the latter stages, but the same could be said for the rest of the side.
Petr Cech: 6
A mixed bag for Petr today. Made some errors in his distribution and didn’t get near to either of the goals. Made some nice stops later on in the game when Arsenal were wobbling.