Arsenal produced a legendary performance in a famous win over Manchester United on Monday night. Nacho Monreal scored Arsenal’s first, before a Wayne Rooney equaliser made it 1-1 at half time.
Wenger’s men clinched the win with a goal from Danny Welbeck in the second half, before having to defend for their lives against a 10-man United – thanks to Di Maria getting two bookings in quick succesion; one for a dive and another for grabbing the referee. Here are my player ratings:
Wojciech Szczęsny – 6
Made one decent save in the first half and controlled his box fairly well. Looked nervous at times, though, and his clearances were suicidal.
Hector Bellerin – 9 (Replaced by Chambers in the 66th minute)
The young Spaniard was outstanding. Bombed forward all game and kept coming back to cover. Booked early in the first half for a challenge on Ashley Young, which led to him being taken off in the second.
Per Mertesacker – 9
Outstanding for the 90 minutes. Prevented Manchester United from getting a clear shot at goal and helped to calm things down at the back.
Lauren Koscielny – 9
The Frenchman had a great game. His pace killed United’s counter attacks, and he worked well with Per and Nacho.
Nacho Monreal – 9.5
An almost perfect performance from the left-back. Scored Arsenal’s first goal in the 25th minute after some lovely passing, and threatened United’s defence all game. He dealt with Di Maria quite well, but let him cut onto his left foot too often.
Francis Coquelin – 10 – Man of the Match
Francis’ best performance in an Arsenal shirt. Bulldozed his way through the midfield – cutting out any United attacks – and controlled the game with sensible passing and intelligent positioning.
Santi Cazorla – 9.5
Battled his way through the game, defending well and using the ball intelligently. Forced a wonder-save from De Gea in the second half.
Mesut Özil – 9
Produced the world-class performance in a big game that Arsenal fans have been waiting for. His movement and positioning created holes all over United’s midfield, and his vision helped create the first goal. He was unlucky not to get a few assists.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 9 (Replaced by Ramsey in the 51st minute)
Pressured United extremely well and made numerous challenges to win back possession. His trickery and vision got him an assist for Arsenal’s first goal. Was subbed off in the second half due to injury.
Alexis Sanchez – 9.5
Worked his socks off for the 90 minutes and helped start off our attacks with some exquisite runs. Was unlucky not to score a few goals in the second half. Alexis Sanchez is really starting to look like one of the greatest players to ever pull on an Arsenal top.
Danny Welbeck – 7 (Replaced by Giroud in the 74th minute)
Looked nervous all game, but managed to produce a few nice passes. Scored the winning goal for Arsenal in the 61st minute from a poor back pass to De Gea, which the Englishman took with great class and composure.
Subs
Aaron Ramsey – 7
Added energy and drive to our play after coming on. Defended well and looked dangerous going forward.
Calum Chambers – 6
Dealt with everything thrown at him, but looked shaky at times.
Olivier Giroud – 6
Hardly touched the ball after coming on late in the game, but still managed to create a few chances.