Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Player Ratings: Arsenal 1-1 Tottenham

Wojciech Szczesny – There was not a lot of opportunity for Szczesny to showcase his talent but reacted smartly when called upon. Cannot be blamed for the goal, the error was unquestionably Flamini’s. 6.8/10

Calum Chambers – Chambers was imperious throughout; always strong in the tackle and composed in possession, allowing Tottenham very little joy down the Arsenal right. Nearly capped his debut at right-back with a rasping half-volley. Partnership with Chamberlain looks particularly promising. 7.9/10

Laurent Koscielny – Another imposing performance from the France centre-half who was simply faultless today. His partnership with Mertesacker continues to go from strength to strength. 7.7/10

Per Mertesacker – Per had a very solid game, desperately unlucky not to equalize when Lloris blocked his header on the goal line. As always he counteracted his lack of pace with supreme tackling and reading of the game, most telling when he ended a dangerous Tottenham attack in the first half with a block tackle on Adebayor. 7.3/10

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Kieran Gibbs – A strong performance from Gibbs today, who was unspectacular but nonetheless an effective outlet throughout the game. He was unlucky not to get back to cover Chadli for the goal, but it was Flamini’s mistake that caused the danger.  7.3/10

Mikel Arteta – Looked bright before being substituted, a shame. 6/10

Aaron Ramsey – Couldn’t really make his mark on the game before getting injured, looks to be out for the next month with a hamstring injury. I hope he comes back rejuvenated, with fresh fire and drive in his belly to help him re-capture his excellent form of last season.  5.8/10

Mesut Özil – I was disappointed to see Özil deployed on the left hand side at the start of the game, but he was still a constant thorn in the Tottenham side, typically dropping into pockets of space and using the ball intelligently. Denied by a good Lloris save, but his form is certainly improving. 7.1/10

Jack Wilshere – Clearly fired up from the outset and looked to make his mark on the game with impressive running and dribbling, tested Lloris with a smart shot and should see a regular run of games in his favoured central role now that both Ramsey and Arteta are missing through injury. Substituted as a precautionary measure after being hacked down in the first half. 7/10

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – Preferred to Alexis Sanchez today, I love the way this lad always looks to get his head down and run at his opponent. He looks a real talent and fully deserved his goal, smashed home with characteristic Chamberlain aplomb. 7.5/10

Danny Welbeck – Went missing in the second half, but first half performance was good. Blushes were spared by Chamberlain after a spectacular airshot. 6.5/10

 

Substitutes:

Mathieu Flamini – Beginning to show his age. Seems to have lost a lot of mobility his game. Was at fault for the goal, being dispossessed by Eriksen and allowing Tottenham to steal a point when they did not deserve one. We are crying out for a quality defensive midfielder. 4.5/10

Santi Cazorla – Decent performance from Cazorla today, offered some very neat link-up play but not much else. 6/10

Alexis Sanchez – Gave us important shape in the second half, allowing Özil to move into the centre. Did not have a huge impact. 6/10

 

 

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