Stoke visited the Emirates with a new manager and a new approach, however, the result was the same. Arsenal put in a professional shift, beating Stoke City 3-1 taking them to the top of the Premier League table after Gameweek 5. Aaron Ramsey continued his fine goalscoring form by opening the scoring in the 5th minute. Stoke equalised with a brilliant bit of play, but Arsenal’s skipper, Per Mertesacker, put the Gunners in front before the break. Bacary Sagna sealed the victory with a superb looping header, ensuring Arsenal’s 4th win in a row in the English Premier League and 7th in all competitions. Mesut Ozil made an impressive home debut by assisting all three of the goals and is proving to be one of the best signings of the summer.
Player Ratings:
Szczesny – 6 – The Pole was relatively untroubled throughout the game and could do nothing about the goal he conceded. Stoke’s new approach meant he didn’t have the usual challenge of dominating the box and defending too many long balls.
Sagna – 8 – Solid performance in his preferred Right Back slot. Handled Arnautovic comfortably and supported young Gnabry well. Scored a good goal to well and truly kill the game.
Mertesacker – 8 – Captained the team well, however was slightly at fault during the build up for Stoke’s goal. Redeemed himself well with a goal and largely looked comfortable defensively thereafter.
Koscielny – 7 – Comfortable generally, covered well, dealt with Jones well. Solid at the back and caused a distraction that helped Mertesacker’s header hit the back of the net.
Gibbs – 8 – Defensively excellent, and attacked well. Kept Walters quiet and made some excellent interceptions at the back.
Flamini – 7 – Protected the back four well, and provided a platform for the likes of Ozil and Wilshere to attack. Constantly communicating and organising the troops. He could be one of the Gunners’ smartest signings.
Ramsey – 8 – Scored yet another goal and he seems to have gained the midas touch. Strong performance in the center of the park, the type we’ve come to expect of him this season.
Gnabry – 6 – Good performance especially for a 17 year old. Constantly attacked Pieters and helped out a lot defensively. Commendable especially since he was thrown on without mentally preparing for it.
Wilshere – 6 – Played out of position but showed good touches. Was fouled an awful lot. Slightly overshadowed by the other midfielders. Tired towards the end of the game. Tidy performance though.
Ozil – 8 – (MAN OF THE MATCH) 3 assists from 3 set pieces. Had quality written all over his deliveries and looked comfortable on his home debut. Showed some good touches and movement. He will be mesmerising once he gets a hang of the English game.
Giroud – 6 – Didn’t score for the first time in the league this season but battled hard. Won most of his duels with the Stoke defence , and held up the ball well. Brought the creative Arsenal midfield into play. Forced a good save in the second half. Not his best but an efficient performance.
Subs:
Monreal – 5 – Looked out of place in the attacking third, and had little to do. He will be looking forward to the midweek game where he is certain to start.
Arteta – NA - Didn’t get a lot of game time, but Arsenal fan’s will be glad he’s back. Arsene Wenger finally has a good problem with a wealth of options to choose for the central midfield role, especially with Flamini playing really well.
Miyaichi – 5 – A good runout but didn’t see enough of the ball to cause any threat. Needs to still improve his crossing and his ability to hang on to the ball, especially if he is going to enter games late this season
Unused Subs: Viviano, Vermaelen, Jenkinson, Bendtner.
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