Damien Martinez- 5
With many suggesting that Martinez should be given a long-run in the starting line-up in place of Wojciech Szczesny, this was a chance for the youngster to back-up those claims. However, it was a rather uninspiring performance and whilst the result doesn’t point towards mistakes from him, it was still a bad day in the office.
Hector Bellerin- 4
Another youngster who could have pushed for a long-run in the line-up, the result suggests that Arsenal need experienced reinforcements in January. He was encouraging going forward but failing to clear and allowing Peter Crouch to score after just 19 seconds is inexcusable.
Per Mertesacker- 3
By far the worst performance in an Arsenal jersey, looked concerningly absent-minded without Laurent Koscielny alongside him. From a man with the captain’s armband this was a diabolical performance, which echoes the need for defensive shake-ups next month.
Calum Chambers- 3
A concerning performance from the young defender as his lack of discipline cost Arsenal when he was dismissed for a second bookable offence. Showed that, despite contrary belief, he should be on the right side of defence and not trusted with a position in the centre.
Kieran Gibbs- 5
Wasn’t helped by the lack of defensive organisation to his right but showed that he still has a way to go in order to be an established regular for both Arsenal and England. Could well be the lack of recovery time due to recent injury concerns, Jonathan Walters ran him ragged all afternoon.
Mathieu Flamini- 5
Despite winning a penalty after a positive charge forward, this was another game where Flamini failed to show any sort of positive signs in defensive midfield. Never truly got into the game and shouldn’t receive regular minutes in the new year when reinforcements are brought in.
Aaron Ramsey- 6Â
Ramsey hasn’t reached the heights he did last season and this was another game that passed him by, as at times it was easy to forget he was on the field. Took his volley well though and the goal will hopefully give him a massive confidence boost heading into the next few games.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain- 7
A rare bright spark for Arsenal as he continued to impress, suggesting that he should be given an extended run in the side. One of the few players who couldn’t be blamed for the poor result. Showed positive signs and will have a big season ahead.
Alexis Sanchez- 7
Once again head and shoulders above his team-mates, who still look like they haven’t quite grasped just how good the Chilean is and what he can do. Perhaps should have scored when he struck the post but he is extremely difficult to criticise. Arsenal’s knight in shining armour just had too much to do today.
Santi Cazorla- 6
Another poor performance from the little Spaniard which continues to raise question-marks about his long-term future with the squad. Scored the penalty but his shooting boots were once again left in the changing room.
Olivier Giroud- 4
Receiving a lot of criticism after the match due to his lack of involvement but despite a negative performance, instead of showing that Giroud is a poor player it showed he isn’t a lone striker. Needs another man alongside him up front, until that happens it’s not worth using him.