It was a horror setting for Arsenal before they faced Bournemouth a few weeks back but since then, the team has stepped up and delivered. After an entertaining draw at Chelsea at the Stamford Bridge, Wenger’s men returned to the Emirates to host Tony Pulis’ stubborn West Brom. It turned out to be a sweet night for the home side as their clinical nature in front of goal helped them beat West Brom. Alexandre Lacazette’s brace was enough to see Pulis’ men out. Here’s how Arsenal players have been rated in their win over West Brom.
GK: Petr Cech – 7/10
Monreal saved him with a clearance in the first half but apart from that, he made a few saves of his own. His fingertip save denied Jay Rodriguez and he stood solidly enough against the inswinging set-pieces curled in by Gibbs. A clean-sheet at the end of the night is definitely a great bonus.
RWB: Hector Bellerin – 7/10
Got forward on a lot of occasions but the end product was limited or not effective enough on the night. He is looking really settled in this position of his ever since the main competition Alex Oxlade Chamberlain moved to Liverpool.
CB: Laurent Koscielny – 7/10
Had a tough time facing the pace of Jay Rodriguez but ultimately prevailed on the night. Also showed his maturity on a few occasions in the first half as well.
CB: Shkodran Mustafi – 6/10
He was really lucky to have not given away a penalty to Rodriguez and for some reason, he did look a bit rusty today.
CB: Nacho Monreal – 7/10
The goal line clearance was something to marvel at and that was not simply sheer dedication but also intelligence! Tidy for most parts of the game.
LWB: Saed Kolasinac – 7/10
A really strong player while going forward and gave the Gunners a dimension from the left. He’s certainly making an impact on the hearts of the Arsenal faithful.
CM: Granit Xhaka – 5/10
An off day for the Swiss as he failed to deal properly with Krychowiak and also looked so ineffective in the attack. Needs to improve!
CM: Mohamed Elneny – 7/10
Made his presence felt strongly in the midfield region and fought for its control. He won the free-kick that lead to the first goal.
FW: Aaron Ramsey – 6/10
Sloppy really in possession and he needs to channel his runs. He was having a very mediocre day until he won the penalty for Lacazette’s second.
FW: Alexis Sanchez – 7.5/10
Came really close to scoring himself with his two-free kicks. Lacazette got the easiest of headers as a rebound to score the first goal. The Chilean looked bright today, dazzling on the pitch with some sharp dribbles. All over a very good show!
ST: Alexandre Lacazette – 8/10
I would just use two words and those are clinical and reliable. Took the chances that came to him.
Substitutions
FW: Oliver Giroud – 5/10
The only thing he probably got coming on late was the chance to make a good pass to Ramsey.
FW: Mesut Ozil – 5/10
Came on too late to make an impact.
CM: Ainsley Maitland – N/A
Came on very very late and does not warrant a rating.