Arsenal eventually overcame a plucky Reading side as the FA Cup holders reached there second final in as many years. Alexis scored either side of Gareth McCleary’s equaliser as extra time was required to separate the sides. Here’s how the Gunners rated:
Wojciech Szczęsny (GK): 5/10
The Pole needed a solid performance following the loss of his place in the side to David Ospina, but this was a strange one. He looked generally comfortable, making a decent save in particular from Jordan Obita yet he’ll be very disappointed with McCleary’s goal. The strike took a large deflection yet you’d still expect a ‘keeper of Woj’s quality to stop it,ad that’s what fans and pundits alike will remember. With Arsene’s policy of playing his second choice stopper in cup games, Scz has a final (ironically he missed out last year for that very reason) to look forward to but it’ll be interestingto see what the summer holds for the 25 year-old.
Mathieu Debuchy (RB): 5.5/10
Put back into the side ahead of Bellerin for his experience, the French international looked rusty to say the least. He struggled without out a recognised wide man ahead of him with Aaron Ramsey prone to drifting inside while he could be apportioned some blame on the goal, letting Pavel Pogrebnyak run free. To his credit however he lasted the full 120 minutes and rustiness after such a long time out is very much to be expected. The manager might have made a mistake on this one.
Per Mertersacker (CB): 7/10
Two efforts on goal from the big German which drew excellent saves from Adam Federici. Assured at the back as always before succumbing to injury in the 63rd minute and can’t take any blame for the goal.
Laurent Koscielny (CB): 7/10
Apart from a rather strange attempt to press high up the field in the 2nd period of second time, Laurent played well. Strong both in the tackle and in the air, the Frenchman is undoubtedly a key fixture in the side.
Kieran Gibbs (LB): 5/10
Another who came back into the side (although his absence has been caused by the form of Nacho Monreal who’s started the last 7) and he didn’t really do much at all. Perhaps unlucky with the deflection on the goal but McCleary was his man. Rusty like Debuchy but he dosen’t have injury as an excuse and this is not a performance that will get him back in the side.
Francis Coquelin (DM): 8/10
A player that fans and pundits alike are fast running out of superlatives for. Leading the team with 6 aerial duels won, 9 interceptions, and 5 tackles, Francis’ importance grows with each game. Perhaps the best thing about the Frenchman’s game currently is his consistency and he has certainly been a factor in the Gunner’s recent fine form.
Santi Cazorla (CM): 7/10
The twinkle-toed Spaniard always looked to make things happen but wasn’t helped by a lack of movement and width ahead of him. Still completed 90% of his passes and wasn’t afraid to get stuck in defensively.
Mesut Özil (CM): 8/10
That assist for Alexis’ first was simply sublime and it really feels as though the German is finding some of the form that persuaded Arsene to meet that £42 million evaluation. Like Santi, he completed 90% of his passes and created 9 shots for his team-mates which resulted in 2 assists. Notable that his genius shone through on a tough day for the team in general.
Aaron Ramsey (RW): 6/10
With fond memories of Wembley last year, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Aaron would be the difference again this time around. He almost was of course, striking the post after some great work from Giroud but the effort summed up his evening. Working hard as ever but struggling to make a real impact. The Welshman completed 85% of his passes although it seems his tendency to drift inside from the right wing impacted negatively on the team’s shape.
Alexis (LW): 7.5/10
The Chilean has been quieter in recent months and was generally well-marshalled by a good Reading defence, yet he hit the brace that has the Gunners through to the final. The first portrayed his calmness and technique while the second, as unfortunate as it may have been for Reading, highlights the benefit of having a go (a trait that Alexis most certainly possesses). The records will show that a marquee player turned up in a big game and effectively won the match. Can’t ask for much more than that.
Danny Welbeck: (ST): 5.5/10
Started brightly and almost got through early on but noticeablely faded as the game wore on. His work ethic can never be questioned but it’s clear that when comparing his stats to Giroud’s, the Frenchman comes out on top. Olivier had 41 touches to Danny’s 26, despite spending less time on the pitch. Room for improvement.
Subs:
(63′) Gabriel (CB): 7/10
On for the injured Mertersacker and slotted in well at the back. Showed that he is a threat from set-pieces, forcing Federici into one fantastic save but really should’ve scored with his second effort.
(72′) Olivier Giroud (ST): 7/10
Made a huge difference when he came on and his physical presence, ability to hold the ball, and his ability to bring his teammates into the game were crucial to Arsenal winning on Saturday. Almost got an assist with the Ramsey effort and was unlucky to hit the post late on.
(101′) Theo Walcott (RW): 6.5/10
Arsenal’s forgotten man, Theo did reasonably well in his first appearance in over a month. Particularly enjoyable was his burst late on which nearly won a penalty. The summer will certainly be interesting when it comes to the England man’s future.
Overall this was a laboured performance for an Arsenal team in fine form. The manager’s tinkering didn’t help matters but the Gunners are through to successive finals and that’s what matters. Nine wins on the spin isn’t bad either.
