Going in to Arsenal’s first Premier League game of the season there were high expectations for the Gunners to win comfortably at home against West Ham. However,these expectations were not met as it was a day to forget for players and fans, after Arsenal lost 2-0 in a far from impressive performance by the Gunners. Here are how the players rated:
Petr Cech: 5/10
It was a day to forget for Cech, who was at fault for both of West Ham’s goals today. Poor decision-making allowed Kouyate an easy header from a free-kick to give West Ham the lead in the first half. Cech was also unusually beaten at his front post by an effort from Zarate, which surprised everyone, none more so than Cech, who was out of position when the shot was taken. Not the Premier League debut Cech would’ve hoped for.
Mathieu Debuchy: 6/10
With Bellerin injured, Debuchy was brought back into the starting 11 and he put in a decent display. Looked a threat going forward, but did at times leave Per Mertesacker stranded on the right hand side.
Per Mertesacker: 6/10
The skipper didn’t have the best of games against West Ham today. Was often out of position and left Laurent Koscielny at the back on his own a few times.
Laurent Koscielny: 6/10
Despite the result,Koscielny was quite solid at the back today. Often left stranded to deal with the pace of Sahko, but he did relatively well and put in a decent display for the Gunners.
Nacho Monreal: 6.5/10
Monreal was a constant threat down the left-hand side and cause many problems for West Ham. Despite his poor crossing, he was one of Arsenal’s best players.
Francis Coquelin: 6/10
The Frenchman put in an average performance today. He looked like one of the only Arsenal players who was ready to battle for the ball. Coquelin did not do much wrong, but he failed to make a single tackle and was at times poor in possession. He was substituted in the 58th minute.
Aaron Ramsey: 5.5/10
A very disappointing performance from the Welshman. Gave the ball away frequently and was very selfish at times.
Santi Cazorla: 6/10
Even though Cazorla put in a decent performance, he certainly wasn’t a fraction of his usual self. However, he was one of the players who tried to get on the ball as much as possible in order to create chances for the team.
Mesut Ozil: 6/10
The German certainly put a shift in for the Gunners, but nothing seemed to click for him, as his passes went astray quite a few times and he was caught in possession of the ball frequently.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 7/10
The flying-winger was once again Arsenal’s best player today. The only bright spark for the Gunners, who seemed to create chances out of nothing.
Olivier Giroud: 6/10
Giroud was given the nod ahead of Walcott today and it was a decision Wenger may live to regret, as the Frenchman put in a disappointing display. He had a few exquisite touches, but was frequently unable to hold-up the ball as well as he usually does, and wasted a few chances that he should have put away.
Substitutes:
Theo Walcott (58) :6/10
After being introduced in the 58th minute, Walcott put in a good shift and was a threat to the West Ham defence. It will be interesting to see who Wenger starts upfront next week against Crystal Palace.
Alexis Sanchez (66): 6/10
Alexis wasn’t supposed to take part in today’s game, but because of the scoreline, he was brought on to the pitch. He had a decent performance, but it is still clear he is lacking fitness.
