Arsene Wenger finally broke his duck against Jose Mourinho, as the Gunners ran out 1-0 winners against Chelsea in the Community Shield. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s left-footed strike in the 23rd minute proved to be the fantastic winner. Arsenal also managed to claim an impressive clean sheet against last season’s Premier League champions. Here’s how the players rated:
Petr Cech : 7/10
Petr Cech’s highly anticipated debut finally took place. The 33-year-old looked very confident and demanding, which relieved pressure off the backs of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny. Cech remained composed despite playing against his former club, as he pulled off a miraculous save from an Oscar free-kick. Except from that Cech had a comfortable afternoon, without any major threat from Chelsea.
Hector Bellerin: 6.5/10
Going into this match, there was speculation about who would start at right-back. Bellerin was given the nod and he certainly proved why he should be the starting right-back, managing to keep Chelsea’s main source of threat – Eden Hazard, quiet. Bellerin also managed to get a few runs on the ball down the wing, in what was a solid performance from the young Spaniard.
Laurent Koscielny: 6.5/10
Koscielny had a solid performance at the back. He was surprisingly quiet in the first half with a couple of passes going astray, but enhanced his game in the second half and made a few important tackles to ensure Arsenal a clean sheet.
Per Mertesacker: 7/10
The starting skipper had an excellent game at the back for Arsenal, protecting Petr Cech well on his debut. He made some excellent clearances and his bravery proved crucial as he prevented Chelsea from scoring in the last 10 minutes of the game when he won a well-battled duel with Radamel Falcao and Kurt Zouma.
Nacho Monreal: 7/10
Monreal’s impressive form last season has seemed to carry over to the new campaign, as he had an excellent performance at left-back. He prevented crosses from going in and even posed a threat in the opposition box. If the Spaniard carries on with these sort of performances, Kieran Gibbs will struggle to claim a place back in the side.
Francis Coquelin: 7/10
The Frenchman who people say could be Arsenal’s starting defensive midfielder for the next 10 years is certainly proving them right. Coquelin had an excellent display, as he managed to prevent play from the midfield to the striker and was very impressive when in possession of the ball. Coquelin was crucial in guaranteeing Arsenal a clean sheet as he shut pockets of spaces between the defence and the midfield.
Aaron Ramsey: 6/10
Ramsey had a solid performance. Even though he wasn’t a stand-out player, he kept play simple and completed the job he was required to do.
Santi Cazorla: 7.5/10
The little Spaniard had a magnificent game. Creativity and quality was in abundance, as Chelsea struggled to keep hold of the little magician. Cazorla seems to be getting better and better as games go by and those extra English lessons seem to be paying off, as he linked wonderfully with the wingers and other midfielders in the middle of the park. As usual, a joy to watch.
Mesut Ozil: 6/10
The German wizard had a very impressive first half, with some magical link up play with Cazorla, topped off by his involvement in the only goal in the game, as he found Walcott with a pass of magnificent vision who set-up Oxlade-Chamberlain for the goal. However, Ozil’s performance dipped in the second half and he was substituted in the 81st minute.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 8/10
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s magnificent finish in the 23rd minute helped him secure the Man of the Match award. The young winger caused problems for Cesar Azpilicueta all game and he showed glimpses of what we can expect next season, that is if he manages to stay injury-free.
Theo Walcott: 6/10
Walcott got his chance to play as the lone striker for Arsenal. A decent performance, but he will be thinking he could’ve had a better game as he struggled to hold up the ball and link-up with the play, despite his assist for Oxlade-Chamberlain. It will be interesting to see who Wenger starts as the lone striker in the first game of the Premier League season.
Subs:
Olivier Giroud: 6.5/10
Giroud was a live wire when he was introduced in the 65th minute and it was clear he wanted to prove a point that he can be Arsenal’s starting striker for the new season. The Frenchman managed to get himself a couple of chances which he unfortunately failed to convert.
Mikel Arteta: 6/10
Arteta came on to really bulk up the midfield to prevent Chelsea from breaking through. His job was successful and he helped to secure a clean sheet for the Gunners.
Kieran Gibbs: 6/10
Gibbs came on to aid Nacho Monreal down the left-hand side, but was much more adventurous and missed a glorious one-on-one chance in the dying minutes of the game.
