Arsenal won their final home game of the season on Sunday afternoon as Olivier Giroud’s 16th Premier League goal of the campaign gave the Gunners a 1-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion.
Read our player ratings here:
Wojciech Szczesny – 7/10
Szczesny made a flapping save in the first half to keep out a long-range effort from Graham Dorrans, which was West Brom’s only shot on target.
However, the Polish stopper, who has now kept three consecutive clean sheets, made another important contribution midway through the second period, as he rushed out to pinch the ball off Morgan Amalfitano’s toes.
Per Mertesacker – 8/10
The BFG was rarely out of position and, as a result, did not need to make a single tackle. He did make three interceptions and 13 clearances, though, as well as a vital block to thwart substitute Victor Anichebe.
Laurent Koscielny – 8/10
The Frenchman was solid and dependable as ever. He also looked extremely competent on the ball, as all 57 of his passes found their intended recipient.
Bacary Sagna – 7/10
Playing in what is likely to be his last Gunners game at the Emirates, Sagna’s name was sung loudly by home fans in an attempt to convince the right-back to stay. He produced a casual but impressive farewell display.
Nacho Monreal 5/10
Monreal picked up a yellow card for a foul on Stephane Sessegnon and looked like the weak link in Arsenal’s otherwise-tight back four.
Mathieu Flamini – 6/10
Flamini’s performance was neat and tidy. He protected Koscielny and Mertesacker well, and helped Arsenal win the midfield battle in a fairly unattractive Premier League game.
Mikel Arteta- 6/10
The Former Everton playmaker looked a tad frustrated in his deep-lying midfield position. He played far too many long balls.
Santiago Cazorla – 6/10
Cazorla was bright and lively, but his final delivery was below par. His corner kick that found the head of Giroud for the game’s only goal was one of seven crosses that he attempted – only two found their intended target.
Mesut Ozil – 7/10
A classy performance from the German international, who completed more dribbles than any other player on the pitch and forced Ben Foster into a decent save late on.
Lukas Podolski – 6/10
Podolski looked in good shape physically and he should have scored his fifth goal in four games, but he shanked an effort onto the woodwork in the second half.
Olivier Giroud – 7/10
Giroud made an excellent near-post run to get away from Craig Dawson for his headed goal.
He led the line well, but then risked spoiling his afternoon by clashing with Dorrans in stoppage time. Both players received yellow cards. A red would have seen Giroud miss the FA Cup final.
Substitutes:
Kim Kallstrom – 5/10
Swedish midfielder Kallstrom replaced Arteta just after the hour and was fairly anonymous.
Tomas Rosicky – 7/10
He was only on the field for 17 minutes, but Rosicky still managed to impress. He could have had an assist to his name, but was let down by Podolski’s finishing.
Thomas Vermaelen 7/10
Vermaelen came on for Monreal for the final 10 minutes and was called upon on three occasions, as West Brom threw late caution to the wind.
The Belgian coped well, making an important tackle and two clearances.
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