Arsenal went to the top of the Premier League table with a home win against Stoke City. The Gunners fell behind early in the first half when Granit Xhaka fouled Joe Allen inside the box. The goal scored by the visitors seemed to spur the team on as they scored three times from then on to race to another crucial three points. Even though the team were not at their best, the players importantly got the job done. Let’s take a look at how they did in the tie out of 10.
Cech (7/10)
Was called into action a couple of times and showed that he was up for the task as usual. Unlucky not to keep a clean sheet as Stoke scored from their spot kick.
Gabriel (5.5/10)
Unconvincing as a right back as he couldn’t impact the play in that position but looked more comfortable when he moved to the central defence after Mustafi went off injured.
Mustafi (5/10)
Had to go off in the 23rd minute due to an injury. Played a nice pass to Walcott when on the pitch.
Koscielny (6.5/10)
Arnautovic’s movement troubled him a bit but the Arsenal captain was solid in his defending.
Monreal (6.5/10)
Was not able to win his aerial duels but kept things together on the ground, defending with composure. Made a vital block in the first half to deny Arnautovic.
Xhaka (5.5/10)
His passing was good but once again his naïve tackling presented Stoke a penalty. Needs to be much cleverer than that.
Coquelin (7/10)
Won his tackles and was excellent in his passing as well. Supported Xhaka well in the deep midfield.
Walcott (8/10)
Good performance from Theo as he showed his excellent movement once again to score the vital equaliser, which was also his 100th career club goal. A wonderful effort in the second half after wriggling through the defence would have been something if not for a great save by Grant.
Ozil (7/10)
Was not seen in the first half but played better in the second with a fine headed goal to give Arsenal the lead.
Oxlade-Chamberlain (7/10)
Showed a lot of promise with his purposeful display. Bagged himself an assist as he provided a great ball for Ozil to score.
Sanchez (6.5/10)
Another hard working performance from the Chilean. Was involved in the first goal and his penetrative passing proved to be the catalyst in the team’s attack on some occasions.
Subs
Bellerin (7.5/10)
His arrival for the injured Mustafi changed the game for Arsenal. Excellent in his passing, the young Spaniard played virtually as the second winger on his flank to provide plenty of width and attacking spark to Arsenal.
Iwobi (6.5/10)
Came on in the 69th minute and scored a fine goal with a cool finish after the referee allowed the game to flow despite a foul.
Giroud (N/A)
