WTTGT Writer: Amoy “The Goonerrater” Ghoshal
Wojciech Szczesny – 6.5 – The Pole didn’t have much to do as Arsenal dominated possession for the majority of the game but had to make one world class save to deny Lee Cattermole from close range when the score was crucially tied at 1-1.
Carl Jenkinson – 5.5 – The former Charlton defender looked shaky in the first half as he struggled both defensively and offensively at right back. However Jenkinson improved in the second half as he was hardly troubled at the back and had plenty of opportunities to get forward but his deliveries desperately lacked quality.
Laurent Koscielny – 6.0 – His return was supposed to give the Arsenal backline a bit more solidity and assurance but in the first half Kosicielny was at fault for needlessly trying to play Sessegnon offside. Didn’t make too many mistakes in the second period and was unfortunate to earn a booking.
Per Mertesacker – 6.5 – The big German seems to be improving and getting used to English football with each game. Mertesacker’s anticipation often stopped Sunderland counter attacks and his aerial presence also stopped the Black Cats from having any clear cut headed chance.
Kieran Gibbs – 5.5 – He wasn’t much troubled defensively as most of Sunderland’s attacks in the first half came from the other flank but the English left back couldn’t make much of an impact going forward. Was taken off early in the second half because of another injury.
Alexandre Song – 7.5 – The Cameroon international was immense for the Gunners in the middle of the park, especially in the second half. Song won several tackles, made vital interceptions and crucially won the ball back on numerous occasions for his team who were chasing the winner in the second period.
Mikel Arteta – 5.5 – The Spaniard sets really high standards for himself and the Gooners too expect a lot better than what he produced today and even against Spurs in the last game. His passing was not always accurate and he was at fault for handling the ball to give away the free-kick from which Larsson equalized.
Tomas Rosicky – 7.0 – A very influential display from the Czech as he provided the turn of pace and trickery which the Arsenal midfield lacked in the North London derby two weeks ago. His final pass can still improve but Rosicky showed his class for long periods and was instrumental in Arsenal dominating the midfield.
Theo Walcott – 5.0 – The English international was lucky to complete the whole game as he was largely ineffective for most of the game with no real moment worth remembering. Wenger might as well give him a central role or use him as an impact sub in the coming games as Theo did have another disappointing outing.
Robin Van Persie – 9.0 – **WTTGT Man Of The Match** – Another match winning and world class display from Arsenal’s best player and on a day when he had to reiterate his commitment to the club after some baseless rumours. Sumptuous finish to score the first and delightful freekick to give the Gunners much needed three points. RVP has really stepped it up and is leading by example.
Gervinho – 6.0 – The Ivorian did well to setup Van Persie for the first goal and tormented O’Shea during Arsenal’s domination in the first half. Faded away after that and didn’t get much of an opportunity to make an impact in the second half and was unfortunate to be replaced instead of Walcott.
Subs
Andre Santos – 6.0 – The Brazilian looked solid at the back after coming on and tried to overlap at every opportunity from left back.
Andrey Arshavin – 6.0 – The Russian’s fresh legs and trickery caused problems for the tiring Sunderland defence in the closing stages.
Yossi Benayoun – 6.0 – His calmness and ability to keep the ball was helpful while protecting the lead but he nearly made a mess while playing a back pass towards Walcott.
Video highlights
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So pleased Rosicky played and not Rambo!! Rosicky is looking good and has the guts to try the hard pass(he is no cesc so it wont come off all that often). Our midfield lacks and cutting edge without him and Rambo is slowly becoming the new Denilson. One could write a whole article entitled the story of two youth Denilson/ Fabregas and it looks like it will be repeated with Ramsey/Wilshire