These are the Arsenal player ratings for the Premier League game against Sunderland, as voted for by you, the fans using our Player Rater.
Petr Cech – 8.7 (Man of the Match)
Cech wins the Man of the Match award following a series of impressive saves to keep Arsenal level. The Gunners went on to win comfortably, but the scoreline flatters Arsenal, mainly thanks to Cech’s solid performance between the sticks.
Hector Bellerin – 5.7
Bellerin hasn’t been at his best for a few weeks now and Debuchy might fancy his chances of getting back into the starting eleven. The Spaniard has played a lot of football recently and defensively is getting caught out a little too often in games now. He’s extremely fortunate Patrick van Aanholt can’t finish.
Per Mertesacker – 6.0
If Gabriel hadn’t made that mistake against Norwich last week, I think he would have started ahead of the German. Per was, once again – unconvincing to say the least.
Laurent Koscielny – 7.2
Koscielny needlessly gave away a free kick which led to the Sunderland goal, but apart from that he had a very good game. Looks a level above Mertesacker despite the mistake.
Nacho Monreal – 7.2
Arsenal’s Mr.Consistent was just that once again. Really good offensively and defensively.
Mathieu Flamini – 6.2
Quiet game, struggled at times to keep up with the pace of this fixture. Perhaps he didn’t expect Sunderland to attack as much as they did. Needs to improve.
Aaron Ramsey – 7.3
Back to where he likes it, and he excelled. Santi Cazorla’s injury is unfortunate but it provides Ramsey with a brilliant chance to cement his place in the starting eleven. The Welshman should probably have scored a hat trick, but it’s him getting into the right positions which is so impressive. A real threat going forward and his shuttling between boxes is very useful.
Joel Campbell – 6.7
Campbell will be delighted to get on the scoresheet and although he has his weaknesses, the Costa Rican is a viable option for the Gunners. At the moment, he looks more threatening than Chamberlain.
Mesut Ozil – 8.5
Arsenal’s magician again. In my opinion, he was unlucky not to win Man of the Match. The German bagged another assist and he could have had a couple more if Ramsey took his chances.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 5.8
Chamberlain didn’t take his chance today. I’ll forgive him because it was his first start since returning from injury, but he desperately needs to find some form and confidence.
Olivier Giroud – 5.8
A poor performance overall from Giroud, who is looking a little fatigued. His goal (in the right end) was very well taken, but that only redeemed himself from an odd own goal in the first half. Hopefully with Walcott coming back, Giroud will get a little rest soon.
Subs
Theo Walcott (on for Chamberlain 62′) – 6.4
Every Arsenal fan will have been happy to see Walcott return. A good 30 minute run out with some encouraging moments. Could be ready to start against Olympiacos in that crucial game on Wednesday night.
Kieran Gibbs (on for Campbell 74′) – 6.0
Calum Chambers (on for Giroud 78′) – 6.0