Arsenal v West Ham: Player Ratings

Arsenal moved to within six points of league leaders Chelsea with a thumping 3-0 win over West Ham at the Emirates. In a whistle-to-whistle dominant performance fans will hope is replicated against Monaco on Tuesday, Arsenal were defensively stable and displayed real verve in attack. Here are your player ratings:

DAVID OSPINA

GK, Arsenal FC

7.8

Wasn’t troubled a great deal, but did well to turn aside the volley in the first half. Took a thigh to the noggin so we’ll hope it’s not too serious. Had a good performance from his defense to thank for the clean sheet.

CALUM CHAMBERS

RB, Arsenal FC

7.7

While really good in attack, I had some concerns pre-match about Walcott being deployed on the right with a right back who sometimes struggles with his positioning. West Ham had some joy down that flank, but nothing of real, consistent danger.

PER MERTESACKER

CB, Arsenal FC

7.7

Nearly burned by Sakho once, he definitely likes to stand up against onrushing forwards, which often leaves Koscielny to sweep up behind him. It’s more of a testament to their trust than an actual weakness.

LAURENT KOSCIELNY

CB, Arsenal FC

8.3

Had a wonderful day with the West Ham forwards. Fought well and did wonderfully countless times to pluck the ball off their toes and spray it out to the flank. Arsenal’s best defender on the day.
big goal against United, but not much else happened to him. West Ham preferred to work the right side tandem of Walcott-Chambers instead of the energetic, experienced left side of Alexis and Monreal." >

NACHO MONREAL

CB, Arsenal FC

7.8

Seemed excited to get forward given his big goal against United, but not much else happened to him. West Ham preferred to work the right side tandem of Walcott-Chambers instead of the energetic, experienced left side of Alexis and Monreal.

FRANCIS COQUELIN

MID, Arsenal FC

7.6

It’s clear that Arsenal misses the distribution quality of Mikel Arteta; Coquelin misfired nine passes in his own half. But he really is a great defensive player, illustrated by his work tracking back 60 yards to make a tackle. Good, but not a great day for the young Frenchman.
likely second choice to Santi Cazorla. End of the day, he played well and grew into the game well." >

AARON RAMSEY

MID, Arsenal FC

7.8

Struggled with Ramsey’s rating today. He created 5 chances and worked his way to a beautiful goal with Giroud after being involved in the opener. However, some of his decision making and pass execution left a lot to be desired. Still likely second choice to Santi Cazorla. End of the day, he played well and grew into the game well.

THEO WALCOTT

MID, Arsenal FC

7.2

If he wants any kind of run in the side, or a new contract, he has to improve. We can agree that he gets into dangerous positions, but his finishing is poor and he doesn’t pick his head up well enough. His heat map in defense says it all: 5 extremely pale circles in his own half.
difficult to understand his quality, but his contribution is still great. Stitched counterattacks together very well, and has the ability to pick the lock against the most compact defense." >

MESUT OZIL

MID, Arsenal FC

8.0

Created 3 chances but suffered from some streaky passing. The problem with Ozil is that it’s difficult to understand his quality, but his contribution is still great. Stitched counterattacks together very well, and has the ability to pick the lock against the most compact defense.

ALEXIS SANCHEZ

MID, Arsenal FC

7.7

Forced a good near post save after a chested ball before being subbed off for Danny Welbeck in the 65th minute. Seemed like he was always going to be taken off, though he looked a tad uncomfortable in the moments before being withdrawn.

OLIVIER GIROUD

ST, Arsenal FC

8.7

MAN OF THE MATCH – He’s special. I think it’s time we all admit it. Olivier Giroud is, in my opinion, the best target man striker in the world. Today he was physically powerful, switched on in attack, scored a wonderful goal, and set up another. His intelligence and one touch passing is the best I’ve seen from a big man in years. Good on you, Oli.

DANNY WELBECK

ST, Arsenal FC

7.5

Had a couple good chances to make something happen and didn’t when working into the box on the left flank. Had a good header from a lovely Giroud cross to force a save.

SANTI CAZORLA

MID, Arsenal FC

8.4

Came on for about 20 minutes, completed every one of his passes, had an assist and created two chances. Could get used to depth like this.

MATHIEU FLAMINI

MID, Arsenal FC

7.5

Glad to see him snag a goal in what will likely be his final season at the Emirates. He also didn’t get a yellow card, which is nice to see.

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