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 Koscielny – 7 – 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.
Latest:
