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Ratings: Walcott shines but Xhaka has a game to forget for Arsenal

By on October 15, 2016

Arsenal made it six Premier League wins on the bounce with a nervy 3-2 victory over Swansea City at the Emirates this afternoon thanks largely to a double from Theo Walcott while Granit Xhaka saw red for a cynical foul.

Here are my ratings:

Cech 7

Wasn’t particularly at fault for the goals and made some decent saves to secure the win.

Bellerin 7

Helped set up the opener with a header for Walcott and was always a threat down the right wing.

Mustafi 7

We weren’t as solid as we have been in recent weeks with the Swansea attack giving us problems but Mustafi dug deep when needed and didn’t shy away from the physical battle.

Koscielny 6.5

Made a couple of important interceptions but will be disappointed we conceded twice and gave away far too many chances at home.

Monreal 5

Given a really tough time by the pacey Barrow with our Spaniard skinned on several occasions, including in the build-up to their second.

Cazorla 7

Controlled the match for long periods but seemed to tire in the second half which made for a far too open game.

Xhaka 4

Very poor error to gift Swansea a way back in to the game at 2-1 and got sent off for a cynical foul with 20 minutes to go. It should never have been a red but it was a stupid foul to make.

Walcott 8

Opened the scoring with close range finish before doubling our lead with another poachers goal. Went agonisingly close to getting his hat-trick after hitting the inside of the post and then missed a sitter late on.

Ozil 7.5

Celebrated his birthday with a lovely volley to make it 3-1 and was at the centre of everything going forward.

Iwobi 7

Showed some lovely footwork at times and was always positive when on the ball.

Sanchez 7.5

Worked his socks off up front and got the assist for Ozil’s goal. Another very encouraging display through the middle.

Subs:

Coquelin 6 – On to shore things up in midfield.

The Ox 7 – Made a positive impact from the bench and was unlucky not to get at least one assist.

Gibbs 6.5 – Added some much-needed protection for Monreal.