Arsenal blew away Manchester United in a much awaited showdown, showcasing a trademark Arsenal’s brand of football, ruthlessly finishing off the visiting team by banging in 3 beautiful goals in the first 19 minutes of the game. Arsenal played some irresistible football, causing braingasms all over the world with some slick passing and neat build up play, leaving LvG’s men in a daze. It was a perfect redemption for the painful midweek loss, and with this result Arsenal climb to second on the table, level on points with United and just two point off league leaders Manchester City.
If Arsenal can add the element of consistency to their performances, it’ll be very difficult for the other teams to stop them from getting their hands on the Premier League crown come May. On days like these, I feel everyone should just be given a 10/10. But, here are my player ratings for the win against United:
Petr Cech : 9
With this clean sheet, he surpasses David James to become the player with the most number of clean sheets (170) in Premier League history. He earned the shut out by making some important saves on the night, especially the save he pulled to deny Martial just before the half-time. Reassuring presence at the back.
Hector Bellerin : 8
Wenger had some praise reserved for his young Spanish full back, and it was well deserved. Looked comfortable going forward, was never troubled much at the back. Handled the threat of Depay very well.
Per Mertesacker : 7.5
It was widely touted before the game by everyone that the pacey Martial would have a field day against the BFG. But, contrary to the popular opinion of people who might have spent too much time on FIFA, Mertesacker nullified the threat of Martial, never letting the latter’s pace get him into trouble.
Gabriel : 7.5
Although he committed a few silly mistakes today, his overall defensive performance was exactly what was required of him. Was dominating in the air, put in a performance of which Bosscielny would be proud of.
Monreal : 8
Always alert, at the right place at the right time. Easily the most underrated player at Arsenal.
Coquelin : 8
Had another brilliant game, as he highlighted the importance of what he brings to the table, to this Arsenal team. He’s the best at what he does. Provides non-complacent protection to the defence.
Cazorla : 8
Seems to have been practising the coq-block in the training ground. Easily the best midfield pairing available for Arsenal, even with everyone fit and available. His ability to wriggle out of tight situations and to get the ball out to safer areas is invaluable.
Ramsey: 7.5
Had some very good chances in the first half and should have made it 4-0 before the break. He was guilty for loosing the ball couple of times in his own half but he really needs to find his scoring boots for Arsenal to mount a serious title challenge.
Özil : 9.5
He was all over the pitch today, and got a sumptuous goal and an assist for his efforts today. Bossed the game and was involved in every attack of Arsenal’s. The Sanchez-Özil-Walcott partnership that we’d all been dreaming of for an year seems to be blossoming in the most aesthetically pleasing way possible.
Sanchez : 10
A backheel goal, a backheel key pass, and a rocket of a second goal. What more could we have hoped for from our mercurial Chilean. He’s back to his rampaging best and I couldn’t be happier.
Walcott : 9
His movement up front and the threat that he offers to the opposition adds such dynamism to our fluid front line. Provided the assist for Özil’s goal. Love how he pressed United’s defence from the front.
Substitutions:
Giroud : 6.5
Came on for Walcott, could’ve got on the scoresheet.
The Ox : 6.5
Subbed on for Özil. Struck the bar with a chipped effort. Could’ve made it 4-0.
Gibbs : n/a
Came on for Sanchez after the former sustained a groin strain.
