It seems like Arsenal’s persistence is finally reaping fruits as the North-London side moved ahead of Manchester United in the league table to claim the fifth spot after a convincing win over Southampton. Arsene Wenger saw his men winning away at Southampton for the first time in the league since 2003 and it took the Gunners more than 45 minutes to get on the score sheet.
Arsenal Players Rated And Slated In Their Vital Win Over Southampton
Petr Cech (8/10)- Brilliant performance yet again by the Czech. He showed how invaluable experience could be with two phenomenal saves from Manolo Gabbiadini and Nathan Redmond. Arsenal could have gone two goals down easily had it not been for him. They need such displays if Arsenal expect to finish in the top four miraculously.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (7/10)- Was taken off in the first-half after he pulled a hamstring. He did provide some low, dangerous crosses in Southampton’s penalty box that Welbeck couldn’t connect. We hope it is a mild pull and he will return soon.
Hector Bellerin (7.5/10)- He looked dangerous, which has been a rare occurrence this season. With Chamberlain off now, he has to make the most of his chances.
Rob Holding (8/10)- Yet another solid and mature display by the young centre-half. We hope the manager sticks with him because he already looks better than Gabriel Paulista. His dribbling skill is a bonus.
Shkodran Mustafi (8/10)- He came after missing few games and had to fill the huge gap of Laurent Koscielny, and he played as if he was never away. Calm, composed in leading the back line, the back three looks perfect for him.
Nacho Monreal (8.5/10)- Didn’t put a single step wrong in the whole game. He looks surprisingly comfortable in that central role, giving Wenger enough to think about his future at the club.
Kieran Gibbs (7.5/10)- He was mobile and got the ball out of dangerous situations, though nothing extraordinary about his display. Nothing wrong with his discipline display, but he really has to make those crosses count now.
Granit Xhaka (8.5/10)- His stature seems to grow larger and larger with every passing game. The Swiss international always turns up for a game no matter how grave his injury is. He was the best player in the midfield finishing 94% of his passes, more than anyone in the field.
Aaron Ramsey (8/10)- Although his shooting boots are yet to be activated, the Welshman compensates for that with his good position and occasional assists. Seems to get along well Xhaka, the duo could be a big influence in the closing games.
Alexis Sanchez (9/10)- Gave away the ball quite a few times and looked off the pace at times too. But when the most important moment came, he took it phenomenally. Receiving the ball from Ozil, he turned, dummied two Saints defenders and beat Forster with his left foot. Flawless.
Mesut Ozil (7.5/10)- Not his best game surely, as he was easily thrown out of position numerous times. But, after his terrible slump in form, he has recovered well. Got the assist too.
Danny Welbeck (8/10)- He must be Sanchez’s best mate in the team. He does exactly what Sanchez wants the whole Arsenal team to do; press up high in the field. Welbeck’s pace on the ball and dribbling abilities stretched Southampton’s back line and to good effect.
Olivier Giroud (8/10)- Didn’t have to do much except the goal, which sealed the game.
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