Arsenal saw off the challenge of Hull City in a repeat of last year’s FA Cup Final, thanks to goals from Per Mertesacker and Alexis Sanchez. The Gunners could, and probably should, have had a few more in the first half but did well to keep it tight at the back. Alexis’ late goal secured the game and meant Arsenal move into the fourth round of the cup. They will now be eagerly awaiting tomorrow’s draw.
Player ratings
GK: David Ospina – Not a lot for the Colombian to do, but what he did have to do he did well. Showed some good decision making when it came to deciding whether or not to come off his line from corners. 7.
RB: Hector Bellerin – Another good performance from the youngster. He is really going to challenge Mathieu Debuchy for that starting spot for the next few years. Lightning pace. 7.5.
CB: Per Mertesacker – Did well to get on the scoresheet. Aside from that, very solid performance from today’s skipper. Led the defence well. Back to his old self. 7.
CB: Calum Chambers – A clean sheet. The sometimes rash defender looked composed today and being back in the middle of the defence helped. Really prefer him there than at full-back. 7.
LB: Nacho Monreal – We’ve got some great full-backs at the club. Nacho isn’t the quickest or the strongest, but you know you’ll get a decent performance out of him every week. Solid as ever. 7.
CM: Francis Coquelin – A very good show from the young Frenchman. He’s already leapfrogged Mathieu Flamini in my mind. Showed bite in the tackle and his distribution looked improved. Silly tackle at the end but still a good performance. 8.
CM: Tomas Rosicky – Looked very handy in the centre of midfield. Was involved in a lot of good stuff in the first half. Hope we see more of him during the second half of the season. How is he 34?! – 7.5.
CM: Santi Cazorla – Santi wasn’t involved during the entire 90 but showed flashes of class, especially for Alexis’ second goal. Really done well during Ozil’s absence. 8.
RW: Theo Walcott – Not his best game but it’s just good to have him back. Looked a tad rusty. He’ll be better in upcoming games. 6.5.
LW: Joel Campbell – Was involved early but other than that not a lot from the Costa Rican. Will need to improve if he wants more game time. 6.
ST: Alexis Sanchez – What more can be said? He was at the heart of everything good again for Arsenal and deserved his goal. Just a fantastic player. Unstoppable. We’re lucky to have him. Another scintillating performance. 9.
