Arsenal player ratings

As the FA Cup Final draws ever closer, the final two Premier League matches have functioned as a couple of tune-up fights for the big contest. As Arsenal bade farewell to The Emirates for another season, a rather nervy 1-0 victory was secured over West Brom.

Wojciech Szczesny - 7 – He didn't have a great deal to do, but was an immaculate performer in goal, also making a good save to deny Morgan Amalfitano in the second-half.

Bacary Sagna – 7 – In what will likely be his final showing at The Emirates, Sagna showed just why he's been such a reliable presence over the past 7 years. As the fans sung, “Bacary Sagna, we want you to stay.”

Per Mertesacker – 7 – The German performed to his usual high standard throughout the contest, ending the match with the captain's armband after Mikel Arteta was substituted.

Laurent Koscielny7 – As often, he dovetailed nicely with Mertesacker, always alive on the cover, and mopping up any loose balls in the penalty area.

Nacho Monreal – 6 – He started the game solidly, but found things more difficult in the second-half when West Brom stepped up their intensity, especially against Stephan Sessegnon.

Mathieu Flamini – 6 – The Frenchman had a pretty easy time of things in the first-half. However, he wasn't always able to help Arsenal retain control of the match in the second-half.

Mikel Arteta – 6 – He had the run of the midfield in the first-half, as Arsenal had 71% of the ball. But didn't manage to exert the same influence after the break, as West Brom put Arsenal under greater pressure.

Santi Cazorla –  7 – He didn't always use the ball as well as he could, but the Spaniard was often Arsenal's most lively attacker. Provided a nice assist for the winning goal.

Mesut Ozil – 6 – He was always on the lookout for pockets of space in which to hurt West Brom, but his final ball wasn't at its expected standard. He also failed to convert a decent opportunity in the second-half.

Lukas Podolski – 6 –  Podolski looked eager to keep up his recent good run of goalscoring form, as he often tried to drift infield from the left flank. While a busy presence, his cutting edge was lacking, hitting the post with a chance that he should have scored from.

Olivier Giroud – 7 – Giroud led the line excellently, putting in a very good shift. He linked with his midfield well, and provided the decisive moment in the match, making a trademark near-post run to head past Ben Foster.

SUBS

Kim Kallstrom –  N/A – Used the ball nicely when coming on.

Tomas Rosicky – N/A – Wasn't at his most lively.

Thomas Vermaelen – N/A – Proved useful in defence on what's likely his final home appearance.

In what felt like a pre-season match, Arsenal laboured. But they found a way to get the win. They will need a better performance at Wembley, but one shouldn't be too churlish in the face of a victory.

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Comments  

+1 #1 Macgooner 56 2014-05-04 23:38
Yes we won but in fairness it was a nervy win with a performance becoming quite common of this Arsenal side.if Arsene thinks that he just needs to keep this team together rather than make a few big name signings then he,s seriously deluded, and next season will be no different to this one except we probably wont even get to the FA cup final. The whole one dimensional style of passing for the sake of it and square balls eventually going back to chez so he can hoof it out is becoming boring and predictable and i really would like to see a new coach come in and re ignite this team!!