Thomas Vermaelen – 5
The club captain was given a first league start of the season in the absence of Mertesacker and the rustiness showed.
Vermaelen had real problems at Old Trafford last campaign and Van Persie and Wayne Rooney gave the Belgian the run around once again.
Kieran Gibbs – 7
One of the team’s better players and showed bags of energy and enthusiasm when supporting the team in attack down the left flank.
Gibbs is among a group of very talented youngsters at Wenger’s disposal and it’s this fact that means the Frenchman shouldn’t be too worried about this loss.
Mikel Arteta – 5
Not a great game for the Spaniard, who was also struggling after being brought down with the same stomach bug as Mertesacker and Rosicky.
Arteta was not the midfielder’s usual dominant self and passes were continually misplaced.
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