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RATINGS: Arsenal 3-1 Stoke: Ozil Bags Hat-Trick…Of Assists

By on September 22, 2013

Not our greatest performance of the season by any stretch of the imagination but we ground out another three points and surprisingly all three goals came from set pieces….against Stoke City!

Aaron Ramsey was at it again, finding the back of the net for the seventh time in eight games after Begovic parried Ozil’s free-kick. Mertesacker then headed home Ozil’s corner after Cameron had levelled for the visitors before Sagna sealed the win with another header from yes, you guessed it, another Ozil free-kick.

Here are my ratings:

Szczesny 7/10

Could do little about the Stoke goal and was otherwise solid. Made a couple of routine saves and dominated his area well.

Sagna 7/10

Got forward well in the first half and was comfortable at the back. Sealed the three points with a lovely looping header.

Gibbs 6.5/10

He gave away the ball on the halfway line which lead to the Stoke equaliser, but otherwise Gibbs had a decent game.

Mertesacker 7/10

Was at fault for the visitors goal as he was left looking on as Cameron volleyed home after Per had let Arnautovic free to get a shot off. Also let Jones in a few minutes later but recovered well to clear. Made up for it with a fine header to put us 2-1 up.

Koscielny 6.5/10

Was also caught sleeping for the Stoke goal and gave away possession a little too cheaply at times, but dealt with the awkward threat of Jones pretty well for the most part.

Flamini 8/10 – MOTM

The Frenchman is certainly impressing since returning to the club and his leadership qualities are vital. He was organising the team, barking out orders and also put in an excellent display at the heart of midfield.

Ramsey 7/10

Continued his superb goal-scoring form with an early opener and was arguably our best player of the first half. But he seemed to tire after the break, which is understandable considering what he’s given to the cause in recent weeks. Almost added a late fourth but saw his shot saved by Begovic.

Ozil 7.5/10

Flashes of quality during the game but you can’t argue with a player that set up all three goals. His free-kick’s are certainly a HUGE upgrade on what we’ve been used to from the likes of Walcott.

Gnabry 6/10

In and out the game in the first half and he looked afraid to use his pace and have a real go at his man. Improved after the break before being subbed.

Wilshere 6.5/10

Out on the left again but was drifting inside a lot to link-up with Ozil and Rambo. Was taking a lot of heavy tackles, again, and looked knackered in the second half before he was subbed.

Giroud 6/10

Battled well against Huth and Shawcross but he had one of those days when nothing seemed to come off for him. Had a couple of shots saved but couldn’t find his fifth goal in five games.

Subs:

Monreal – 6 – Not much impact on the game.

Miyaichi – 6 – Tried to use his pace but to little effect.

Arteta – N/A – Great to see him back but not enough time to earn a mark.

So another win under our belts and we’re currently sitting top of the Premier League table. Players are slowly coming back to fitness and things are looking good right now. West Brom up next in the Capital One Cup where i think we’ll see wholesale changes from the boss.

What were your ratings from the game?

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