Thursday, March 28, 2024

Player Ratings: Trio Compete For MOTM As Arsenal Beat Sunderland 2-0

So after everything we’ve been through, Arsenal’s future now rests on the likelihood of Middlesbrough picking up points at Anfield.

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The Gunners continued an impressive run of form with a comfortable 2-0 win over Sunderland on Tuesday night, that closed the gap on Liverpool.

Arsene Wenger’s side could’ve made it six or seven goals inside a half-filled Emirates Stadium if it wasn’t for the superb performance that Jordan Pickford put together.

Fans across Twitter couldn’t stop singing the praises of Granit Xhaka and Mesut Ozil, who have managed to create such a good partnership on and off the ball.

Here’s how the guys did last night:

Petr Cech – 7

Could’ve easily had the night off, but when he was called into action there was no doubts over his ability. Made a couple of good saves against Jermaine Defoe and kept his concentration when coming out of goal to cut out Sunderland’s counter attack.

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Rob Holding – 8

We managed to get a sight of what Holding is like going forward last night, and he’s growing in confidence with every game that goes by. Comfortable in his position now and a shoe-in to start in the FA Cup final. His stats in recent games tell the story.

Shkodran Mustafi – 7

Had to step in to the shoes of Laurent Koscielny and again, he wasn’t fazed at all. Played more of a deep role in the centre of defence but when he had to track back and do the nasty stuff it was clear Mustafi is one for the long-term.

Nacho Monreal – 6.5

Nothing special from Monreal but I definitely think he’s suited to more of a wing-back role over Gibbs. When Koscielny is fit it’ll be good to see Monreal back out wide because he’s a far better crosser of the ball.

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Aaron Ramsey – 6.5

Ramsey had a bit of an off night but that was mainly because he couldn’t live up to the performance of Xhaka or Ozil. Slightly more understated than usual but that’s okay, it was another game to get used to the partnership in midfield. Came off early with an injury precaution, but should be fit for this weekend.

Granit Xhaka – 8.5

Just superb! His passing range gives Arsenal the ability to move from defence to attack in seconds, and that was apparent in our first goal. His lobbed through ball out to Ozil wasn’t picked up by a single Sunderland defender and it’s what helped us finally break down Pickford’s goal.

Hector Bellerin – 7

Bellerin has managed to get used to this new position now and that could be pivotal with two key games coming up in the next week or so. His crossing wasn’t perfect last night but he managed to show how well he can break through the defence.

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Kieran Gibbs – 5

He’s not doing anything to show us he deserves to play in an Arsenal shirt next season and I think this could be the final farewell to Gibbs. He’s not adapting to this wing-back role and his final delivery is way off the mark.

Mesut Ozil – 8.5

A man on the top of his game at the moment and the stats proved that. Once again he combined with Alexis with an easy cut back. Created more chances in this game than United have in the whole of May.

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Alexis Sanchez – 8.5

Two more goals for this guy and in reach of the Premier League golden boot. Alexis has now contributed to 44 goals in 48 games for Arsenal this season. Both were easy tap-ins but he’s showing he was in the right place at the right time.

Olivier Giroud – 6.5

Motionless for the whole of the first half and proving with every game that goes by that he’s only influential as a substitute. Think he started because Welbeck will get rotated in on Sunday afternoon.

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