How did Arsenal’s players fare in the FA Cup tie against Wigan Athletic today? Here are the ratings for Arsene Wenger’s side…
Lukasz Fabianski 8 – wasn’t given a chance with the Wigan penalty even though he went the right way, but was the star of the penalty shoot out with two saves.
Bacary Sagna 6 – missed a big chance in the first half that would’ve put Arsenal in front, but tried to get forward when the Gunners needed a goal.
Per Mertesacker 6 – gave away a penalty with a stupid decision inside the area but redeemed himself with the equalising goal.
Thomas Vermaelen 6 – Had some problems with Callum McManaman’s pace but generally performed well alongside Mertesacker.
Nacho Monreal 5 – struggled to cope with McManaman’s runs forward before being hauled off through injury for Kieran Gibbs.
Mikel Arteta 6 – wasn’t really pressing the issue of getting forward with a lot of sideways passes, but he did keep moves going with his passing.
Aaron Ramsey 7 – got forward well on his return to the starting line-up, and was instrumental in a lot of Arsenal’s attacks even if he did look a little rusty.
Lukas Podolski 6 – once again given a chance in the starting line-up and once again failed to impress, barely getting on the ball and making poor decisions in the final third.
Santi Cazorla 7 – Wasn’t quite as influential as usual, but Cazorla was lively and tried to get on the ball, before keeping his cool to score the winning penalty in the shootout.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 8 – The Gunners’ best player on the day, Oxlade-Chamberlain was energetic and was the only player to offer pace and direction in the final third.
Yaya Sanogo 7 – Given the start ahead of Olivier Giroud and caused problems with his athleticism, but wasn’t as composed in front of goal as a more experienced player would’ve been.
Subs:
Kieran Gibbs 7 – defended well and almost scored the equaliser as his header was superbly saved by Scott Carson.
Olivier Giroud 7 – Worked hard up front without really looking like scoring, but scored in the shoot out to put Arsenal on the brink.
Kim Kallstrom 6 – Came on with just seven minutes left of extra time and blazed a volley over the bar before scoring in the shoot out.
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