At the start of the season this fixture would have been put down as 3 guaranteed points. However, Cardiff has proven they are no pushovers with two very good performances against the Manchester clubs.

Szczesny – 8 - Great save to deny Campbell. Got down quickly. Always alert. Sign of a great keeper.

Sagna – 6 - In the summer I wanted Wenger to replace Sagna. Thankfully, Wenger knows best. Need to sort out his contract situation.

Koscielny – 7 - His partnership with Mertesacker gets better with another clean sheet. Best defensive partnership in Europe? Hard to argue against it.

Mertesacker – 7 - Luckily his clash of heads with Sagna didn’t affect his ability. Solid as always.

Gibbs – 6 - Impressive display in front of Roy Hodgson.  Possibly should have done better to stop Campbell header.

Ramsey – 8 - Lovely headed goal, his first of the season. Was touching to see Cardiff fans applaud him (both times).

Wilshere – 6 - Worked hard and nearly put the Gunners 1-0 up from kick off.

Arteta – 8 - Doesn’t have the easiest role but he does it so well. Rarely let the opposition past him.

Cazorla – 6 - Nothing spectacular from the Spaniard, but nothing disastrous either.

Ozil – 8 - Inch perfect assist for Ramsey’s goal, superb pass for Flamini’s. Completed every pass in first half. Touch, control and movement sensational. Assist machine.

Giroud – 5 - Not sure how to explain what happened with the offside in the fist half. Players get taught to play to the whistle when they’re 5. Maybe he’s feeling the effects of playing every game. Not as his best today.

Substitutes

Flamini – 7 - Added defensive stability in the last 15 minutes and scored an unstoppable goal.

Monreal – N/A

Walcott – 6 - Selfless assist.

Terrific performance from the Gunners. Perhaps 3-0 was a little flattering, but the team worked hard and made sure they didn’t lose their 1 goal advantage.

Always nice to get a clean sheet and we are one step closer to being top on Christmas day.

Latest: