Arsenal player ratings v Stoke: England international is star of the show
By Matt Farr
Football Insider rates the Arsenal players during their 3-1 victory over Stoke at the Emirates on Saturday.
Petr Cech 6 – Some good saves. Beaten by Adam’s first-half penalty.
Nacho Monreal 6 – Given a tough-time early on by Shaqiri, but coped well.
Laurent Koscielny 6 – Organised the back-four well amid Stoke early pressure
Shkodran Mustafi 6 – Continued his excellent start to his Arsenal career, but suffered a hamstring injury in first-half. Could be a minor concern for the Gunners.
Gabriel Paulista 6 – Pushed back into the middle following Mustafi injury. Formed a strong partnership with Koscielny and good in the air.
Francis Coquelin 6 – Benefited when the game became more stretched in the second period. Tracked back well defensively. Consistent as usual.
Granit Xhaka 5 – Had a mixed game. Gifted Stoke a penalty with a careless challenge on Joe Allen.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 8 – End product was good and the England international is looking more consistent each week. Showed good movement and pace, and provided an excellent assist for Ozil goal. Was the star of the show and understandably unhappy to be withdrawn for Iwobi.
Mesut Ozil 6 – Quiet and ineffective in first-half. Different player in second, scoring a superb header.
Theo Walcott 7 – Scored his 100th career goal in the 42ndminute with a beautifully taken effort. Looked dangerous on counter attack.
Alexis Sanchez 7 – Movement was good, some more exquisite passing. Didn’t score today but was always involved.
Subs:
Hector Bellerin 7 (for Mustafi 25)
Alex Iwobi 7 (for Oxlade-Chamberlain 69)
Olivier Giroud 6 (for Sanchez 77)
In other Arsenal news, this BBC pundit has made a bold claim about Arsenal duo Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.