After Saturday’s disappointing defeat to Swansea, an alternative XI continued Arsenal’s recent poor run of form. However, there is some light at the end of the tunnel.

Wojciech Szczesny – 7 – made some good saves throughout and wasn’t at fault for any of their goals. Got booked for rightfully complaining to the ref about their first goal not being a corner in the first place.

Carl Jenkinson – 7 – almost got caught out in the second half but a solid performance nevertheless. He was decent going forward and his pace came in handy a lot. A decent performance.

Sebastian Squillaci – 6.5 – not as bad as feared. Made some good tackles but didn’t protect Jenkinson and wasn’t very vocal.

Thomas Vermaelen – 7 – had a really good first half making some vital blocks and interceptions but faded in the second. Don’t know what he and Squillaci were doing for their second and I would like him to be more vocal. Certainly getting back to his former self though.

Jernade Meade – 7 – a very impressive performance from the little man! He looks very good on the ball and very combative in the tackle. Faded a little in the second half but certainly a shining light.

Francis Coquelin – 6.5 – I’m a big fan of his but I don’t feel it was his best game tonight. I didn’t think he was involved enough and when he was, it was usually giving away a free kick. Made some good passes but I expect an improvement.

Aaron Ramsey – 6 – good play in the build up for the goal but a performance he would be frustrated with himself. For someone so talented, his decision making lets him down quite often. However, no-one can question his commitment and fighting spirit. I know a lot of people will disagree with me, but whether you like it or not, he will be a big part in our future.

Tomas Rosicky – 7.5 – only played the first half but what a performance it was. Without doubt the best player on the pitch. Scored a fantastic goal and everything he touched oozed of class. He really has been missed and I look forward to seeing more of him this season.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6.5 – not great. He doesn’t look like the player he was last season/when he plays for England. In fairness to him, he hasn’t had as much game time as he deserves so he could just be a bit rusty. I am confident that he will improve.

Marouane Chamakh – 6 – when is he going to leave? I think he has had enough time to showcase his ‘ability’. He is just not Arsenal standard. His first touch is abysmal and he is far too slow on the ball. Chuba Akpom, 17 years old was on the bench tonight. A promising, young striker coming through the ranks at the club who I’m sure many Arsenal fans would have liked to see instead of Chamakh tonight.

Gervinho – 6 – poor. Again. If you know me, then you’ll know I am a VERY optimistic Arsenal fan. However, I just can’t see Gervinho being a top player. He NEVER gets his head up to play through a team mate. His pace is a real asset, but his football brain spoils it. Thrown in amongst all this negativity, he got a nice assist tonight. However, for every good thing he does, there is about a hundred bad things.

SUBS

Andrey Arshavin – 6.5 – made a decent sub appearance, but he doesn’t look like he wants to be there. The ability is there, but the work ethic is far from it. Another name I would like to see gone in January.

Martin Angha – n/a – late sub for Meade. Looked decent, but didn’t have enough time to make an impact.

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