Well that was exciting, wasn’t it? Arsenal managed to grab third from the slimy, filth-encrusted paws of Spurs and qualified for the Champion’s League for just the 16th time in a row.
Sounds good on paper, but the match to earn all of this was far from simple. The Gunners found themselves 2-1 down after 15 minutes, but eventually managed to not only establish a lead but keep it.
I’m not here to right the match report though, so let’s get on with the player ratings.
Sczezny: 7
Everyone’s favourite Polish goalkeeper wasn’t really at fault for either of Albion’s goals, and he managed to get Arsenal out of trouble a couple of times. This combined with the revelation that he’s been playing with a shoulder injury the last five weeks makes this a fairly decent performance.
Santos: 8
A personal favourite player of mine, Santos had a good game today. When called upon to defend he didn’t do TOO badly, he was dangerous going forward, and he scored! What a great gay (twitter in-joke, don’t worry).
Koscielny: 8
After a sticky start for surely Arsenal’s revelation this season, he gave a (reasonably) assured performance and capped off a wonderful season with a goal.
Vermaelen: 6
Not the best of days for Vermaelen. He always seemed a bit off, and his defending left Gooners feeling slightly faint with the clock ticking down. We all know he’s a good player though, and with some coaching from Mr Bould he will NEVER MAKE A MISTAKE EVER AGAIN.
Jenkinson: 6
Carl Jenkinson was a suprise choice today and it showed. He hasn’t really played enough Premier League football to warrant selection in such an important game, and Fortune gave him a nightmare. Not too awful though.
Song: 5
Not very impressed with Song at all these last few weeks. He doesn’t seem to want to defend at all, and is always trying to play that Hollywood pass when there are simpler options available. Wenger attempted to play him in a more advanced role today, and with a more experienced anchorman than Francis Coquelin he may have found his position.
Coquelin: 6
He must have been a happy boy today, as he was played in his natural position of defensive midfielder. With that said, he seemed more comfortable at right-back! He was often left exposed by Song’s gallivanting, but he seemed to try. Definitely one for the future.
Rosicky: 7
Nothing really wrong with the Czech’s performance today, but nothing earth-shattering. He seemed to be carrying a bit of an injury and was replaced by Theo Walcott at half-time.
Gervinho: 5
Currently resembling a speedier Bendtner, it’s fair to say he’s not had the best first season. Then again, he shouldn’t be written off. His performance summed up his season really: Lots of nice build up but no end product.
Benayoun: 8
Another good performance and another goal have made Benayoun appear to be one of Wenger’s savvier signings. Perhaps a permanent contract is in order. He seemed to work hardest out of all Arsenal’s attackers to try and do that strange goal-scoring witchcraft thing.
Van Persie: 7
A couple of chances (not taken) and the corner that led to Koscielny’s goal was all our favourite Dutchman could get up to today. His cagey response in regards to his future has also left fans a little worried. Still, at least he’ll still be a Gooner even if he leaves, right? That’s fine. Definitely fine. His support will definitely help his cheap Polish replacement play better. Oh lord....
Substitutes:
Gibbs: 8, Local Pride, and 30 million pounds.
All that is what Kieran Gibbs earned with a brilliant tackle towards the end of the match. He was brought on to defend the lead and that’s exactly what he did.
Walcott: 7
Like the player he replaced, Walcott didn’t do much wrong or much right really. Good to see him back though.
Ramsey: 7
He wasn’t too bad, I suppose. I mean, judged on other players, he was probably quite poor, but in the grand scheme of things... I’m not going to say he didn’t play badly, alright? I can’t bring myself to..
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