Certainly not the most exciting game you will see at the Emirates this season (hence the amount of players rated 7), however Arsenal managed to dig in and get the three points courtesy of a deflected free-kick from substitute Podolski.
Wojciech Szczesny – 7 - After an edgy performance against Liverpool, this was the perfect game for him to regain his confidence as Stoke were limited to a measly 1 shot on target.
Bacary Sagna – 7 – a solid performance from the Frenchman. After coming under some criticism in recent weeks, he put in an assured display against what was a feeble attack. Definitely needs to work on his crossing however.
Per Mertesacker – 7 – the BFG didn’t really have much to do today. Coming up against Peter Crouch he won the majority of aerial duels and offered a sense of composure at the back.
Laurent Koscielny – 7 – very unlucky not to have got on the score sheet after an inspired Begovic made a terrific close range save. Notably, he made a vital interception in the closing stages resulting in him receiving a nasty tackle from Shawcross which deserved a red.
Nacho Monreal – 7 - a very impressive debut from the Spaniard. It was a very mature and disciplined performance from the deadline day signing showing both the offensive and defensive features of his game. He also managed to bludgeon a member of the opposition which will surely see him go down as an Arsenal legend already.
Mikel Arteta – 7 – good to have him back! His passing was sharp and he orchestrated many of our moves. Mr reliable.
Abou Diaby – 6 – not bad, but not great. Since returning from injury he hasn’t looked the same player. He made some nice passes, however I feel that he slowed our play down.
Jack Wilshere – 7.5 – another top performance from Super Jack. His desire and determination to drive the team forward is exceptional.
Theo Walcott – 7 – excellent in the first half, however he didn’t have the same impact after the break - this may be down to the fact he was getting about by Stoke’s Andy Wilkinson.
Olivier Giroud – 7 – the Frenchman didn’t really have that many chances today. However he contributed well to the team, getting back and helping the team defend as well as being involved in some nice build up play.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7 – Alex saw two first half efforts well saved on his return to the starting XI. Understandably he was a bit rusty due to a recent lack of game time; however he still showed glimpses of brilliance.
SUBS
Lukas Podolski – 7 – his free-kick deflected through a crowd of bodies to provide Arsenal with the only goal of the game.
Santi Cazorla – 7 – his arrival evidently gave the team a lift. Possibly should have scored but nevertheless had a positive impact.
Aaron Ramsey – n/a - wasn’t on the pitch long enough to justify a rating.
This result leaves Arsenal 1 point behind Spurs and Everton, and a further 5 behind 3rd place Chelsea heading into a set of winnable league games.
COYG!
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