A sweet summer followed by a gripping victory over Leicester City made it very sure that Arsenal are going hard with ambition and gunning for glory again. Consistency and tenacity for the idea to achieve glory is something that should have made Arsenal tread on the path of victories but that wasn’t to be at the Bet365 stadium as the resilient Potters made sure that the Gunners from London suffered their first defeat. Jese’s breakaway goal was the only difference and Arsenal have themselves to blame after squandering so many chances. Here’s how Arsene Wenger’s men have been rated after a heartbreaking victory:-
GK: Petr Cech – 6/10
Made a sublime save to deny Berahino and he was called into action occasionally as the game went on but mostly he was a spectator and Arsenal’s 73% of possession was the reason for it.
RWB: Ox Chamberlain – 7/10
His pace and the ability to beat defenders with ease is a striking feature about him and he looked a threat everytime he received the ball. The decision to switch him from left to right nearly paid off.
CB : Shkodran Mustafi – 5/10
Jese caused him problems throughout the game and it’s really surprising that an experienced defender like him hasn’t stepped up commandingly to boost the defence.
CB : Nacho Monreal – 5/10
Chupo Moting evaded him several times and he didn’t look comfortable against Stoke’s fluid attack. That’s signs of vulnerability moving forward.
LB : Sead Kolasinac – 5/10
Like his fellow defenders too, he suffered individually against pace and trickery. He has to improve without a doubt and the only good part about him is the physicality.
LWB : Hector Bellerin – 5/10
It was a topsy-turvy game for Hector Bellerin with his crossing and work-rate being a standout but his other aspects were met with fury.
CM : Aaron Ramsey – 6/10
Squandered chances and couldn’t put away two but he kept his spirits up.
CM: Granit Xhaka – 4.5/10
Gave the ball away on several occasions recklessly and did not dominate proceedings from the centre.
CAM : Mesut Ozil – 5/10
He had a really good start to the game with link-ups and passing being strong but he couldn’t get going after that and was marginalized and silenced.
FW : Danny Welbeck – 3.5/10
He looked extremely active and determined on the pitch but he wasted a few infuriating chances.
FW: Alexandre Lacazette – 5/10
Isolated with no link between midfield and attack and he will have to adjust to the club and the League as soon as possible.
