After an abysmal performance by the Gunners last week, it was vital that they came out winners against a strong Crystal Palace side at Selhurst park. Despite being unable to keep a clean sheet, Arsenal came out 2-1 victors in what was a much more confident performance from the side. Here’s how the players rated:
Petr Cech: 6/10
Cech had a solid performance between the sticks today. Even though he didn’t keep a clean sheet, he couldn’t do much for the goal that was conceded and he was certainly an improvement from last weeks disappointing performance.
Hector Bellerin: 6.5/10
Despite the tough challenge the young Spaniard faced from Wilfried Zaha and Yannick Bolasie, he did well to stop them flying down the wing and also played a big part in Arsenal’s second goal, providing a fine cross for Alexis Sanchez.
Laurent Koscielny: 6/10
Koscielny put in a mediocre performance for the Gunners today and was quite often caught out of position. Despite that, he was solid at the back when it really counted.
Per Mertesacker: 6.5/10
The starting skipper put in a solid performance for Arsenal, making a number of vital blocks, clearances, and didn’t make any vital errors.
Nacho Monreal: 7/10
Another excellent display by Nacho today. Prevented Crystal Palace’s biggest threat Bolasie from steaming up and down the wing. Monreal was good when going forward and won some free-kicks for the Gunners in dangerous positions. Kieran Gibbs is going to find it very hard to win his place back in the side.
Francis Coquelin: 6/10
Coquelin had a fairly disappointing performance for the north London side today and almost cost them dearly as he arguably should have been sent off deep into the first half, after a rash challenge following a booking which he received earlier in the game.
Santi Cazorla: 7/10
Santi, as usual, put in a good performance for Arsenal. He linked up very well with Alexis and Ramsey and was the vocal point to why Arsenal finished the game with 59% possession.
Mesut Ozil: 7.5/10
The German put in an excellent performance, which was backed up by a great assist for Olivier Giroud who finished wonderfully on the volley. Ozil was a major threat to Palace and even showcased some amazing skills, with a Cruyff-like turn.
Aaron Ramsey: 7/10
Aaron Ramsey was certainly an improvement from last week. He created a lot of chances and protected Hector Bellerin down the right side, in what was overall a good performance from the Welshman.
Alexis Sanchez: 7.5/10
Despite not having a pre-season with the Gunners, Alexis was already up to speed and put in a great performance for Arsenal. Terrorising the Palace defence and even winning the crucial header, which was a magnificent leap to force Delaney to put the ball into his own net.
Olivier Giroud: 7/10
Giroud had a good performance for Arsenal today and capped it off with a magnificent volley, which hit the back of the net early in the first half. The Frenchman linked up well with his teammates as usual, and could have potentially scored another if it wasn’t for Palace’s last-ditch defending.
Substitutes:
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (63): 6.5/10
Alex would’ve felt he should have started this match, after being one of the only players who turned up last week. However, Wenger started him on the bench and when the Ox came on, he added pace and much more of a threat down the right-hand side.
Mikel Arteta (74): 6/10
Arteta came on just to hold off the threat of Palace’s attack and he certainly did that as Arsenal managed to keep their 2-1 lead.
Kieran Gibbs (82): N/A
