Arsenal managed to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 in a scrappy game – on an equally scrappy pitch – to move up to third in the Premier League table on Saturday. Let’s take a look at how the players performed, in my opinion (you can rate the players yourself here)
David Opsina – 7
Made some good saves and controlled his box well. Couldn’t do much to stop Palace’s goal.
Calum Chambers – 5
An average day for the Englishman. Protected his flank fairly well in the first half, but was overrun in the second.
Per Mertesacker – 9 – Man of the Match
Was outstanding for the 90 minutes. Won everything in the air and protected our goal with his life. He was the main reason Arsenal picked up the three points.
Lauren Koscielny – 5
Had a poor game. His passing was off and he struggled to deal with Palace’s pressure.
Nacho Monreal – 4
Couldn’t cope with Zaha in the first half. Improved in the second but had a poor game overall.
Francis Coquelin – 7
Could have been sent off early on for a high boot and was booked in the 28th minute for a late challenge on Campbell. However, his defensive contribution really helped us in this scrappy game.
Santi Cazorla – 6.5
Scored from a penalty in the 8th minute and showed some neat passing in the first half. Couldn’t control the game at all, though, and looked leggy in the second half.
Mesut Özil – 6.5 (Replaced by Rosicky in the 76th minute)
Mesut suffered due to the poor pitch, but he was still able to create numerous chances with some delightful flicks and tricks. Scored a goal early in the match that was given as offside, and continued to create chances in the second. He was unable to boss possession, though, much like the rest of Arsenal’s midfield.
Danny Welbeck – 6 (Replaced by Gibbs in the 76th minute)
Didn’t see much of the ball in the first half but managed to win a penalty early on. His shot in the 46th minute led to Giroud’s first goal. Was anonymous in the second.
Alexis Sanchez – 6 (Replaced by Gabriel in the 88th minute)
Looked very leggy for most of the game, but defended well and produced a few moments of attacking quality.
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Olivier Giroud – 7
Didn’t see much of the ball in the first half, but managed to score a tap-in when Speroni parried a shot from Danny Welbeck into the middle of his box. He was Arsenal’s most dangerous player in the second half.
Do you agree? No? Good. Rate the players yourself here. Â
Subs
Tomas Rosicky – 6
Added some much needed composure to Arsenal’s midfield. Helped kill the game in the second half.
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Kieran Gibbs – 5
Didn’t see much of the ball, but helped to silence Crystal Palace’s attack.
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Gabriel Paulista – N/A
Wasn’t tested in the final minutes of the game.