Below are the Arsenal player ratings for their impressive 4-1 win at the Stadium of Light vs. Sunderland in Saturday’s early kick off.
Petr Cech - 5: Wasn’t really tested in the first half, in the second he was stupid to bring down Defoe, and that let Sunderland back into the game, luckily Cech’s slip up didn’t cost us but it was another worrying blip from him, not the first time this season.
Hector Bellerin - 7: Good attacking outlet down the right, his usual self.
Skhodran Mustafi - 6.5: Had a really good performance for all but 10 seconds where his misjudgement gave Sunderland the penalty. His ball skills are very good
Laurent Koscielny - 7: Koscielny was as assured as ever on the ball and strong in the tackle, helping to nullify Sunderland’s threat at the root, high up the pitch.
Kieran Gibbs - 8: With Monreal having a knock, Gibbs was given another chance to impress and he did so very well. He made several quality crosses and even got an assist for the crucial second Arsenal goal. I think after this performance he must keep his place in the side, even when Monreal is back fit.
Francis Coquelin - 6: Had a quiet game, perhaps didn’t have to do as much defensively as he often does, his presence at least gave Arsenal some defensive security.
Mohammed Elneny - 8: Was criticised for his display last week by many, but he was quality in midfield today. He always looks so calm and reliable on the ball, he’s also got a cool head. A very useful player for he squad and a bargain at £5million in January.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 7: With Theo out injured, The Ox was given a chance and he very quickly showed what he can do, using his pace before providing an excellent assist for Alexis.
Mesut Ozil - 7: He has added another dimension to his game, making lots of quality attacking runs into dangerous areas. He could and maybe should have scored at least one goal today though, so his finishing still needs work. Great link up play in midfield, getting an assist and carving more openings. If he put one of them in he’d be getting at least an 8.
Alex Iwobi - 5: He has played a lot of football recently and his effectiveness has decreased a lot in the last couple of weeks. Need a bit of time out of the 11 to freshen up and come back stronger.
Alexis Sanchez - 8.5: With Giroud back in the frame, Alexis very quickly dismissed murmurs that he wasn’t an all round central striker. His early headed goal showed he can be a fox in the box and his work rate and play between the lines was top top quality.
Subs
Olivier Giroud - 8: For all of Alexis’ quality, Giroud gives us another dimension and a plan B, we needed him today and luckily he was back fit and delivered. He scored with his first and second touch - such a useful asset when he is in the mood.
Aaron Ramsey - 6: Came back in at 3-1 and kind of assisted the fourth goal with a scuffed effort. Looked good on the ball.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles - N/A