Arsenal faced Sunderland in the third round of the FA Cup played at the Emirates. The Gunners exhibited their trademark attacking game and emerged 3-1 victorious. Let’s see how the players fared:
Petr Cech – 7.5/10: Was to be given a rest for the night’s game but a late Groin injury for Ospina meant that he had to start. The goal came as a surprise for him because he wouldn’t have expected his best defender to lose the ball like he did. Made an amazing save at 3-1 immediately after we were denied an obvious penalty.
Hector Bellerin – 8.5/10: Was switched on throughout the game. Came into life in the second half with the two assists. Showed great improvement with his crossing compared to the previous game. His assists to Giroud are always a treat to watch.
Gabriel – 7/10: Wasn’t the assured self that he usually is. Apart from that, kept his responsibilities quite well.
Laurent Koscielny – 7/10: Made a silly decision that allowed them to score, what otherwise could have been a clean sheet for us. He put that error behind and looked fine for the rest of the game.
Kieran Gibbs – 7.5/10: Always ready to defend and help out with the attack and had a powerful shot stopped by their keeper. Put it quite a number of crosses. Overall, a good performance by the Englishman.
Calum Chambers – 7/10: Seemed comfortable in the defensive midfield role. But there were moments that clearly showed that he has a lot to learn about the position. Looked comfortable on the ball. Was taken off for Mikael Arteta in the second half.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7.5/10: Played much better centrally today than his previous outings on the wing. Hit the post once. Played a beautiful pass to Bellerin for Giroud’s goal.
Joel Campbell – 8.5/10: A top game for the Costa Rican. A cool finish that fetched him his third goal for the Gunners. Impressed with his usual work rate and attacking intent. Played a good one-two with Bellerin to put him through for Ramsey’s goal.
Alex Iwobi – 8/10: The youngster impressed the fans with his quick feet and passing. Didn’t look like somebody who’s on his second first team start. Kept the team ticking and was comfortable on the ball. Overall, an impressive performance from him.
Theo Walcott – 7.5/10: Made some great runs that were not picked up by anybody. Assisted for the equalizer. Could have been more clinical with his finishing. His pass to Giroud for the penalty appeal shows that he’s not at all selfish and his mission is to play for the team.
Olivier Giroud – 8/10: Given how much he has played during the festive season, was tipped to be rested but started the game. Was denied an obvious penalty. But scored one. Nananananananana Giroud!
SUBSTITUTES
Mikel Arteta – 7/10: Was brought on for Chambers, and the Spaniard kept the team ticking with his passing.
Aaron Ramsey – 8/10: Came on and almost immediately created a chance. Lead the team with great intent after coming on. Got himself a much-deserved goal.
Jeff Reine-Adelaide – N/A: Came on with a few minutes to go.
