Mesut Ozil is at his creative best for the Gunners…
GK) Wojciech Szczesny – 6
Not at fault for Stoke’s goal, and relatively untroubled in a match Arsenal dominated.
DR) Bacary Sagna – 7
The Frenchman returned to his natural fullback position after deputising at centre-half in recent weeks. Regularly overlapped Arsenal’s attacking players down the right-flank and sealed the match for the Gunners, scoring the third goal.
CB) Per Mertesacker – 8
Scored a very good looping header, and was a real leader in Arsenal’s defence. The giant German dealt with Stoke’s physical threat very well, and has emerged as a stalwart in the Gunners defence.
CB) Laurent Koscielny – 7
Very solid at the back, but was outshone by his central defensive partner Mertesacker. The Frenchman was happy with the ball at his feet, and helped Arsenal start attacks from deep and retain possession.
DL) Kieran Gibbs – 7
The Englishman was hardly troubled defensively, and much like Sagna, provided a real attacking threat down his flank. Gibbs’ pace caused Stoke trouble all day long.
MC) Aaron Ramsey – 8
Very good in the middle of the park, as he has been all season. Bagged another goal, making it seven in seven appearances for the Gunners.
MC) Mathieu Flamini – 7
Snapping up Flamini on a free transfer is looking like an increasingly brilliant piece of business. Provided the platform from which Arsenal’s wealth of creative talent could perform.
MC) Jack Wilshere – 7
Looks effortless in midfield, and skips round challenges seemingly at will. Was again overshadowed by Ramsey and Ozil, but played a very important role in linking Arsenal’s midfield and attack.
AML) Mesut Ozil – 9 – Man of the match
The German playmaker shone during his first match at the Emirates, playing a part in all three of the goals, bamboozling the Stoke defence with his intricate passing almost at will.
AMR) Serge Gnabry – 7
The German prodigal attacker did well on debut, although tired as the match went on. He was tidy in possession, and sensibly chose to recycle the ball with simple passing rather than taking on his fullback.
FC) Olivier Giroud – 6
The Frenchman failed to score for the first time in the Premier League this season, but held the ball up well, and caused Stoke’s physical back-line problems all afternoon.
COMMENTS