Arsenal beat Everton 3-1 to win the Barclays Asia Trophy on Saturday. The Gunners put out a strong team and Arsene Wenger will have been impressed with what he saw.
Petr Cech – 8
Cech was brilliant on his debut, with one especially stunning save to deny Steven Naismith. Largely untested as Arsenal dominated and couldn’t do anything about Ross Barkley’s stunning finish.
Hector Bellerin – 7.5
The Spaniard was bright throughout with his highlight being a very good last man defensive sliding tackle. As always, an attacking threat down the right.
Calum Chambers – 7.5
Tested at centre back today, Chambers looked very comfortable and made a few very good interceptions and tackles.
Laurent Koscielny – 7
Koscielny was assured at centre back but very rarely tested. A comfortable first 90 minutes of pre-season for the Frenchman to come through. Did nothing wrong really.
Kieran Gibbs – 6
The Englishman was not at his best today. Gerard Deulofeu got the better of him in the first half with his pace, and with Nacho Monreal potentially leaving – Gibbs needs to step up.
Aaron Ramsey – 6
Ramsey was not at his best today, often fluffing his line in goalscoring positions. The Welshman though, was typically energetic and his enthusiasm and work rate helped us boss the midfield.
Santi Cazorla – 9
Cazorla. I have not many words for his performance. The Spaniard dominates the midfield despite his small frame and there can be no question now that his best position is centrally and deep. Two assists and one goal, perfect performance.
Theo Walcott – 7
Theo Walcott scored a great opening goal and at times looked very good. He lacked some sharpness though, on another day he might have scored two or three with the chances he got. Good runs behind the lines.
Mesut Ozil – 8.5
Set to excel in the number 10 role this season, he showed us what he can do today. With a well taken goal and several quality passes throughout the game, Ozil was unlucky not to notch up a couple of assists.
Jack Wilshere – 7
Wilshere was tested out wide in this game and despite only playing 45 minutes, he looked like a good option out there. The English midfielder will need to continue impressing if he wants to earn a starting spot in the team for the opening competitive game against Chelsea.
Olivier Giroud – 5
Giroud led the line amid rumours of a bid for Karim Benzema but did it poorly to be honest. It was his first minutes in pre-season but Akpom’s hat trick earlier in the week might have made you think he’d up his game. On this evidence he looks a stage or level behind his teammates.
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Subs:
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6
Mathieu Debuchy –Â n/a
Mikel Arteta –Â n/a
Francis Coquelin –Â n/a
Chuba Akpom – n/a
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