Arsenal v QPR: Player Ratings and Man of the Match

Made very nice saves in the first half, including the tricky cross he palmed away. Could have maybe done better on Austin’s goal, as his dive looked odd. That said, since he’s come into the first team he has the highest save percentage of all goalkeepers.

Bellerin terrorized QPR’s left flank all day, combining well with Rosicky ahead of him and driving to the end line to open the box for crosses.

Responded well to being dropped and was terrific with his headed clearances. Whether or not the reliable Mertesacker of last year sticks around remains to be seen, but his command of the area in this match was superb.

Sources are reporting that Gabriel is set for three weeks on the sidelines from his hamstring injury, which is unfortunate. He’s very good in the air, which makes it odd that he’s letting some of the contestable balls bounce, exposing himself and the defense in the last couple matches.

Both full backs played well against QPR, though Gibbs’ tendency to only have one idea in the final third (get to the endline) typically puts him a bit below Bellerin in quality of attack. The Englishman is experienced and rarely makes poor decision, as evidenced by giving the ball to Alexis in the lead up to the second goal.

MAN OF THE MATCH – Since he became a first team regular, the statistics show that Francis Coquelin is the best defensive player in the league. Numbers don’t tell the whole story, but Coquelin bounced back from a dreadful Monaco match and a shattered nose to have a great game in the defesnive midfield. Completed 89% of his passes and won every tackle (6) that he attempted along with 3 interceptions.

A great game again for the little Spaniard, completing 95% of his passes. Dropped deep fairly often because, while perhaps lacking the tackling skills, his possession in difficult areas relieves pressure, provided he’s switched on. 

Lacked confidence or decisiveness (maybe both) in his one-on-one with Rob Green, but succeeded in converting a much more difficult chance not long after. Good to see him break his drought. Arsenal will need some magic in the last part of the campaign.

Seemed like he would play more through the middle, but he drifted wide right fairly often. Only posted a 78% pass completion rating, but created five chances and was unlucky not to score himself.

Created two chances, one of which was on a great run past the defence where he showed serious pace for an old-timer. Struggled with possession in the first half and had he displayed better accuracy, could have had a goal in the second.

Another match another goal. Wasn’t particularly pretty and 95% of the work was done by teammate Kieran Gibbs, but he was in the right spot at the right time yet again, and he looks to have put the Monaco hiccup in the rearview mirror.

Would have liked to see him rested for a full match, but Gabriel’s injury didn’t allow for that. Did well in the air, but is at fault for backing off Austin for QPR’s goal. Gibbs had to pull off to mark the runner from Arsenal’s left, meaning it’s on Koscielny to protect chances against goal.

Completed all five of his passes but wasn’t particularly helpful in defense when Arsenal had their backs against the wall.

Brought on for his height in defense but didn’t get a touch.