Player Ratings: Arsenal v West Brom

Almost unused in the first half, Martinez did well claiming a few crosses and kept his second clean sheet in his second consecutive start. While he’s technically third on the roster, Martinez has what it takes to become a first choice backup, whether that’s behind Ospina or Szczesny.

Another solid showing for Chambers at right back. With Debuchy about two weeks from a return to training, Chambers’ long spell in the side may be coming to an end. He led the squad in interceptions and clearances, and is a nice player to have on the pitch when the situation calls for backs-to-the-wall defending.  

It was my belief that the Mertesacker of old would return when Koscielny did, and it seems like I may have gotten it right. Mertesacker was stable and comfortable at the back. He was only exposed once, though to his credit, it was Koscielny who didn’t apply the offside trap, which should have seen Berahino through on goal.

Welcome back, Kos. Over the past couple matches, Monreal managed a fairly good impression of Koscielny. But the French defender is more powerful in the air and is a bit quicker; still the ideal defender to pair with Mertesacker.

The biggest concern out of the match today will be his health but, to his credit, he was part of a back line that kept West Brom from having any shots until his substitution. Any significant injury to Monreal exposes a lack of depth behind Gibbs. Mathieu Flamini can deputise at left back, though it’s a well-known fact he’s uncomfortable in that position.

Flamini was quietly very good today. Arteta is first choice and rightly so, but Flamini registered a 96% pass completion rate from the back, failing to complete only two fairly long balls forward. The Frenchman dropped very deep, playing almost between Mertesacker and Koscielny at times. Flamini has even less pace than Arteta, but he’s a capable backup against squads that lack world-class footspeed.

The wheels are starting to turn for the Welshman, as he had another good day at the office. He’s getting forward often, which isn’t a huge concern against a team that lacks any real sustainable threat. Very nearly saw a return to the scoresheet, but his fizzing effort hooked just wide. One of the reasons he had the year he did last year was his timing of his entrance to the box. This year, he seems to be on the front end of a number of attacks instead of arriving as the late runner, which could be blunting his effectiveness.

MAN OF THE MATCH — Oh, he’s really something when he’s in form, isn’t he? Tough to get off the ball because of his close control, Cazorla is on a wonderful tear of highlight reel footwork and impressive behind-the-scenes work rate. The little Spaniard is capable of making the attacking players better, and showed that by providing a delightful assist on Welbeck’s goal.

Had a very good look at goal in the first half, but was denied by a quality Foster save. Alexis protected possession better today, making all of his passing errors in the opponent’s final third.  

When Wenger flashed the chequebook to procure Welbeck’s services, my first thought wasn’t, “Oh, an upgrade on Giroud,” or “Oh, backup for Giroud.” Put those two on the pitch together, and the offence becomes a fast paced, bruising attack. My preference is the 4-4-2, but a 4-2-3-1 with Welbeck on the left and Alexis on the right makes for an embarrassment of riches. Welbeck worked hard and got his reward with a towering header in the second half.  

Put himself about the pitch well for the duration of his involvement. He wins headers well, holds up play even better, and his touch passing in close quarters is invaluable.

Came on for the injured Monreal in the first half and did his Gibbs-y thing. Wasn’t as switched on as he was in his sparkler against Dortmund, but he shielded the left well. Doesn’t really have bad games, I’ve noticed. *knocks on wood

Brought on for Giroud in the 78th minute, he completed a couple passes and ran around a bit. Difficult player to drop, but when looking at the bristling repertoire Wenger deployed today, not entirely incomprehensible. Picked up a really needless yellow in the late stages.