Arsenal v Manchester United: Player Ratings
Arsenal battled to a 2-1 victory in the FA Cup quarterfinals over 10-man Manchester United at Old Trafford. In what was mostly a cagey affair that hinged on mistakes made by both sides, it was Arsenal finally prevailing at United’s ground. Here are your player ratings:
WOJCIECH SZCZESNY
GK, Arsenal FC7.6
Left on an island thanks to Koscielny’s poor positioning for Rooney’s headed goal. Did well otherwise, though his little Cruyff under pressure from Rooney is something we could all do without.
HECTOR BELLERIN
RB, Arsenal FC7.2
Notched an early yellow and just before being taken off, he looked determined to be sent off. Struggled out on the right for most of his time on the pitch.
PER MERTESACKER
CB, Arsenal FC7.7
Was reliable tonight, partnered well with his old partner in crime. Against a team like Manchester United who have been rather slow this year, this is a solid partnership to deploy.
LAURENT KOSCIELNY
CB, Arsenal FC7.4
Made the positional error for Rooney’s goal. Flat-footed for too long, he was never going to reach the inch perfect ball from di Maria from his spot in the box.
NACHO MONREAL
LB, Arsenal FC7.8
Scored Arsenal’s first as cool as you like, and battled hard all night down the left side. In the area for Januzaj’s hilariously awful dive. Winced a bit toward the end of the match. Let’s hope it’s nothing.
FRANCIS COQUELIN
MID, Arsenal FC8.3
MAN OF THE MATCH- AGAIN? A good performance from the Frenchman in a big match. Physical all night in dealing with Fellaini, had his nose bloodied early, but read the game well and is earning the faith Wenger has placed in him.
SANTI CAZORLA
MID, Arsenal FC8.2
Initially started deeper alongside Coquelin before being moved forward after Oxlade-Chamberlain had to come off. He’s not always completely brilliant and tonight was one of those nights, but he still gets the job done in sparking moves from the back.
ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN
MID, Arsenal FC7.9
Had two magnificent runs in his time on the pitch; the first was his buccaneering usual, the second was to assist Monreal’s opener. A sensational bit of footwork into the box before moving the ball to his left, he was the right player for Wenger to use tonight.
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MESUT OZIL
MID, Arsenal FC7.8
Caught flak throughout for his “lack” of effort, but was really rather good at linking the moves when Arsenal managed to fight forward. Had a couple massively frustrating moments when he paused on a ball unnecessarily in the attacking third, and could have driven or taken a shot in a couple others.
ALEXIS SANCHEZ
MID, Arsenal FC7.8
Cruelly denied a goal to kill off the game by a wonderful de Gea save. Worked hard all night and deserved a goal. He’s a must start in any situation where you care about the result.
Repaid the faith Wenger showed in starting him today. That being said, I still would have preferred Giroud to link play more easily going forward."
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DANNY WELBECK
ST, Arsenal FC8.0
Glad to see him score one for the Gunners against his own club, and even better to see him celebrate it. It had to be him, didn’t it? Repaid the faith Wenger showed in starting him today. That being said, I still would have preferred Giroud to link play more easily going forward.
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AARON RAMSEY
MID, Arsenal FC7.4
Caught a yellow, and did a little bit driving from deeper in the midfield. He slid in next to Coquelin, allowing Cazorla more freedom to move forward.
CALUM CHAMBERS
RB, Arsenal FC7.3
Was rather good replacing Bellerin on the right, but don’t expect to see him displace his young counterpart for any length of time. Bellerin’s speed and form is irresistible.
OLIVIER GIROUD
ST, Arsenal FC7.0
Didn’t do much when he came on, which critics of my “start Giroud” theory will jump on. But he’s better at pulling the midfield forward with his holdup play, and Arsenal could have used some of that today.
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