How the Gunners rated at the Emirates.
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Arsenal have confirmed their place in the Champions League Group Stage for the 17th successive year after beating Besiktas 1-0 on aggregate thanks to a first goal for the club for Alexis Sanchez at the Emirates Stadium.
It was a good night for the Gunners and here’s how their players rated in North London.
GK – Wojciech Szczesny – 6
Was a relatively quiet night for the goalkeeper when it came down to it, but the Poland international commanded his area well when called upon and looked assured between the posts.
RB – Mathieu Debuchy – 5
Things were going very well for the Frenchman – as they have been so far this season since a summer transfer from Newcastle United – but a 75th minute red card put a dampener on things somewhat.
CB – Per Mertesacker – 6
Given the captain’s armband for the night in the absence of Mikel Arteta and proved that he is a natural leader on the pitch and never looked too troubled at the back.
CB – Laurent Koscielny – 7
As is generally the case the France international was solid in defence and made a number of key interceptions and tackles to keep the Turkish opposition at bay.
LB – Nacho Monreal – 7
Has come in for plenty of criticism during his time at the Emirates, but the Spaniard could not be faulted in this game as he showed composure on and off the ball.
CM – Mathieu Flamini – 6
Did what was expected of him, worked hard and broke up play when he could before allowing the more creative players in Arsene Wenger’s team to shine.
CM – Jack Wilshere – 7
This was a good showing from the 22-year-old who was the real creative heartbeat in midfield and played a key part in the goal, although was also extremely lucky not to give away a penalty.
RM – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7
Provided plenty of zip and pace on the right flank and this could well be the campaign where Oxlade-Chamberlain establishes himself in the starting XI – if he can stay fit that is.
CAM – Santi Cazorla – 7
Moved into the No.10 role ahead of Mesut Ozil and did well in his favoured position and although could have perhaps been a bit sharper in front of goal, his creativity was effective.
LM – Mesut Ozil – 5
Not a great display from the North Londoners’ club record signing, who looks a little jaded since winning the 2014 World Cup with Germany in the summer.
ST – Alexis Sanchez – 8
Finally the South American showed what he is capable of following his £35m switch from FC Barcelona and the 25-year-old also bagged his first goal for the club and looked sharp upfront.
Substitutions:
Calum Chambers – 6
After Debuchy’s dismissal the young Englishman was brought on by Wenger to provide cover and did so with aplomb, helping to secure the victory for his team.
Manager – Arsene Wenger – 7
With Olivier Giroud injured the boss is perhaps running a risk by not moving for another striker, but as the 64-year-old has proved so many times in the past he often sees potential when no one else does and he certainly got the best out of Sanchez in this tie.
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