The Gunners eased past Middlesbrough with a 2-0 win on Sunday evening. Here’s how their players rated…
Wojciech Szczesny 6 – given very little to do in the Arsenal goal, but saved a snap shot from Albert Adomah well in the first half.
Calum Chambers 7 – strong display down the right hand side. Linked up well and was always looking to get forward to support the attack.
Gabriel Paulista 7 – a decent debut from the Brazilian, and whilst his booking was a minor blot on his copy book, he showed steel in defence.
Laurent Koscielny 7 – assured and solid alongside debutant Paulista, Koscielny rarely put a foot wrong but much like Szczesny, was rarely troubled.
Kieran Gibbs 8 – had a couple of impressive runs forward, showing good close control and link-up play to open up space down the left – which led to the first goal.
Mathieu Flamini 6 – put in a few tackles and broke up play well in an efficient if unspectacular display from the Frenchman.
Santi Cazorla 9 – continues to be superb in midfield. His dribbling ability, close control and vision helped open the Middlesbrough defence on multiple occasions.
Mesut Ozil 9 – the German’s outstanding return continues, with another fine display against Boro. With 116 touches of the ball, seven key passes and 93% pass accuracy, Ozil was virtually unplayable.
Alexis Sanchez 8 – despite being less than fully fit, Sanchez was a menace throughout, and notched an assist with a great corner for Giroud’s second goal.
Danny Welbeck 7 – showed pace to trouble the Middlesbrough defence, but was slightly wasteful in front of goal when given the opportunity.
Olivier Giroud 8 – took his two goals superbly well, and led the line admirably in another impressive display, continuing his fine run of recent form.
Substitutes
Tomas Rosicky 7 – played a defence-splitting pass for Walcott in a decent cameo where he played three key passes in just 18 minutes.
Theo Walcott 6 – squandered a good opportunity to score as he continues to build up his fitness.
Chuba Akpom – wasn’t on long enough to make an impact
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