Arsenal returned to Wembley this afternoon, where they won the FA Cup final in May, and put in a thrilling performance to dismantle Premier League champions Manchester City, eventually coming away with a 3-0 victory. Bacary Sagna looked very sad up in the stands as he watched his old team-mates celebrate another trophy.
Wojciech Szczesny- 8
Szczesny didn’t have a great deal to do during the game but when called upon he was very solid, especially when charging off his line to deal with potential attacks. Someone was watching Manuel Neuer during the World Cup…
Laurent Koscielny- 7 (Off 45)
Like Szczesny, Koscielny didn’t have a great deal to do while he was on the field and didn’t get the chance to display his full abilities. Nevertheless, a good performance in the 45 minutes the Frenchman played.
Mathieu Debuchy- 8
A brilliant display from Arsenal’s new right-back who instantly impressed in front of the man he replaced, Bacary Sagna. Debuchy came in with solid tackles on numerous occasions and put threatening crosses into the box. Looking like a very good purchase.
Calum Chambers-8
A tremendous display from the £16m man, despite looking frail at times. Challenged Dzeko well in the air but couldn’t always predict the City attacking moves. Numerous great challenges and interceptions, looking like he can develop into a top class defender under Arsene Wenger
Kieran Gibbs- 7
Impressed down the flank and showed once again that he is Arsenal’s first-choice left-back. Concerning at times when he looked like he’d picked up a knock but dealt with Jesus Navas extremely efficiently. Also impressed going forward.
Mikel Arteta- 7
Arteta’s performances last week in the Emirates Cup showed why Arsenal need to sign a defensive midfielder, then this week he showed it’s not as desperate as it may seem. A solid display in front of the back four, commanded the midfield and frustrated the City opposition.
Aaron Ramsey- 8 (Off 86)
17 goals in 35 Arsenal games tells you exactly what you need to know. Another top class performance from the Welshman and he will be incredibly important to Arsenal’s title charge this season.
Santi Cazorla- 8 (Off 70)
A much better performance from Santi Cazorla this week as he demonstrated he can still be an important player for Arsenal. He’s likely to lose his starting place when Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott return but he showed today he should still be considered.
Jack Wilshere- 7 (Off 68)
Didn’t set the field alight but a solid display from Wilshere. Retained possession, skinned markers and was a dominant figure in the centre of midfield. A much more inspiring performance.
Alexis Sanchez- 7 (Off 45)
An impressive display from Alexis but still much more to come. Linked up with Debuchy well in the first-half and his runs, balls through and the rest of his attacking play were exciting to watch. Big season ahead, will be interesting to see him get 90 minutes under his belt.
Yaya Sanogo- 6 (Off 45)
Stretched the City defence and contributed to Aaron Ramsey’s goal. Showed in the 45 minutes he played that he can be an important player for Arsenal this season. Still room to improve.
Subs
Nacho Monreal- 6 (On 45)
A better performance from the Basque defender but wasn’t really called upon. 45 minutes with a clean sheet against the Premier League champions is good though and he showed he can do a job in the middle.
Mathieu Flamini- 6 (On 68)
Played just over 20 minutes, sat well in the middle of the park but by that stage the game was over and he was never tested.
Olivier Giroud- 7 (On 45)
Brilliantly taking goal showing strength, composure and attacking quality. Didn’t see the ball too often, strange decision for Man Of The Match by BT Sport.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain- 7 (On 45)
Continued his comeback with an expected display, showing direct running moves, pass and flair. Likely to come off the bench next weekend.
Joel Campbell- N/A (On 86)
Wasn’t on the pitch long enough to get a score.