Arsenal Player Ratings vs Swansea
Arsenal defeated Swansea City 3-2 in a nervy affair in what was Bob Bradley’s first game in charge of the Swans. The Gunners led 2-0 thanks to a brace from Theo Walcott. But they let Swansea get back into the game with a Gylfi Sigurdsson goal. Mesut Ozil then scored a goal to restore the Gunners’ 2 goal lead, which was soon halved again as Borja Baston scored. Granit Xhaka got himself sent off and this added to the pressure already being piled on by Swansea.
Arsenal were the team that started the game brightly and kept creating chances throughout the game. Swansea slowly grew in confidence as the game went on and began to create in the ending exchanges of the game when the Gunners were reduced to 10 men. Swansea had several late chances to draw the game but failed to do so as Arsenal held on for a massive 3 points which see them go up to second place, at least for the time being.
Here are the player ratings for the game –
ARSENAL (4-2-3-1)
Petr Cech– 7.5
Didn’t have much to do in the first half apart from having to pick the ball out of the net following Sigurdsson’s goal. He was tested more in the second half as Swansea stepped up their efforts to snatch something from the game. Made several good saves once Arsenal were reduced to 10 men.
Hector Bellerin– 7
His pace was vital both attacking-wise and defensively. Tracked back superbly whenever the Swansea wingers posed a threat.
Shkrodan Mustafi – 7
Proving to be a superb signing by Arsene Wenger. He is a warrior through and through. Fought till the very end to ensure Swansea didn’t snatch a draw.
Laurent Koscielny- 6.5
Forming a strong partnership with Mustafi. Both centre-backs went missing for the two Swansea goals, but apart from that managed to do well to hold onto the lead in the closing stages of the game.
Nacho Monreal – 4
Barrow tore him apart throughout the game and didn’t give the Spaniard even a minute’s respite or time to compose himself. His lack of pace was clearly targeted on Saturday. Should’ve done better on Swansea’s second goal.
Santi Cazorla – 7.5
Ran the game for the first 70 minutes as Arsenal had everything under control until then. Pulled the strings for the Gunners in midfield with intelligent passes and linking up well with other attackers.
Granit Xhaka – 4
Was sent off unnecessarily in the second half for a reckless challenge on Barrow. Looked restless throughout the game. Didn’t exactly impose himself on the proceedings like his partner Cazorla. Almost cost Arsenal a win with his reckless decision-making.
Theo Walcott– 8.2
Scored two first-half goals. Should’ve had more. Hit the post twice and was clearly on form the whole game. Unlucky to not have a hat trick for his exploits.
Mesut Ozil– 8 (Kieran Gibbs 83, 6)
Ozil was as enterprising as ever, linking up the midfield with the attack with great aplomb. His combination play with Walcott, Sanchez and Iwobi is something worth noticing. Scored on his 28th birthday with a superb volley after being set up by Sanchez. Was hooked off when Monreal needed more protection on the left-hand side.
Alex Iwobi– 7.6 ( Francis Coquelin 68, 6.5)
He was outstanding on Saturday as he played at a level that was on par with the likes of Ozil and Sanchez. His first touch was impeccable and had one extraordinary moment in the second half when he took on the Swansea defense and left them for dead and set up Theo Walcott, who should’ve done better with his finish.
Alexis Sanchez – 8 (Oxlade-Chamberlain 82, 6)
A solid performance from Alexis considering he came back late from Chile duty. He is such a crucial piece of Arsenal’s attack force. Was outstanding for as long as he was on the pitch. Set up Ozil beautifully for Arsenal’s third goal.
Subs unused – Gabriel, Perez, Elneny, Ospina