Arsenal v Crystal Palace: Player Ratings
Arsenal took all three points from Selhurst Park with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. Despite a two goal lead, the second half was a rather nervy affair, seeing Palace maraud down the flanks, but the Gunners held on to move into third in the Premier League. Here are your player ratings:
DAVID OSPINA
GK, Arsenal FC7.4
Will be disappointed to miss out on the clean sheet, but Palace deserved a goal all day. Was decisive in the air and handled the constant crossing well.
CALUM CHAMBERS
RB, Arsenal FC7.0
Struggled on the right side, especially in the first half, but he’s big and physical, which helps against a team like Crystal Palace. Will likely lose his spot when Bellerin’s ankle is fixed, but that’s not a bad thing. He’s being groomed for central defence anyway.
PER MERTESACKER
CB, Arsenal FC7.4
Not sure if it was communication related or he just switched off a couple times, but his clearances weren’t particularly timely or decisive. Led the team in them with 20 however. Which means I’m complaining that the rock wasn’t quite as rock-like as the rock normally is. Deserves credit for his consistency in dealing with crosses and his relationship with Ospina.
LAURENT KOSCIELNY
CB, Arsenal FC7.6
Had a good game despite a few wobbles. Dealt with Campbell well, though the real threat came from the wings, where he had less than stellar support.
NACHO MONREAL
CB, Arsenal FC6.8
Struggled mightily against Zaha’s speed, especially in the early stages. That really prompts the question, when facing pacy wingers, is Gibbs not a better choice? And if so, how does that affect normal team selection?
FRANCIS COQUELIN
MID, Arsenal FC7.2
Could have seen red very early with a high challenge and really toed the line after getting his yellow. It feels as though the true Coquelin may be surfacing and, while not a bad player, is one that may be prone to grisly mistakes.
SANTI CAZORLA
MID, Arsenal FC7.6
Drifted out to the left more often than we’ve seen previously, but was still his normal fire-starting self. Pass completion was low at 77% but he was influential in the midfield and converted the penalty nicely.
DANNY WELBECK
ST, Arsenal FC7.5
The goals aren’t there, but every match is an improvement for the former United man. As long as Giroud maintains good form, Welbeck will find chances in the middle hard to come by, but his energy down the flanks and in acceleration of play in the final third is valuable.
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MESUT OZIL
MID, Arsenal FC7.8
MAN OF THE MATCH – A look at Ozil’s heat map shows a wide area of influence, but not great intensity of it. Yet he’s a gamechanger and continued his rich vein of form with another good performance. Unlucky not to have assisted Alexis, but drifts around the pitch to open channels against stingy opposition very well.
ALEXIS SANCHEZ
MID, Arsenal FC7.5
Been a few games without a goal for the Chilean, and so very nearly ended that today after lovely work from Ozil. Nothing too concerning about his duck, as he’s popping in good places at good times.
OLIVIER GIROUD
ST, Arsenal FC7.6
Notched his 50th Arsenal goal after good work from Welbeck delivered him a sitter to poke by the keeper. Didn’t have the midfield service he’s enjoyed of late, and some of his hold up play left a little to be desired, but good strikers find a way to impact the match, and he did just that.
KIERAN GIBBS
LB, Arsenal FC7.0
Came on to shield Monreal in the final stages. Shielded Monreal in the final stages.
TOMAS ROSICKY
MID, Arsenal FC7.0
Could have had a goal if Giroud was more decisive and delivered a better ball, but Rosicky remains a reliable substitute in any situation.
GABRIEL
CB, Arsenal FC6.8
Came on late, shifting the back to three across. Struggled a little with Bolasie as most did today.
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