Arsenal beat Stoke City 2-0 on Saturday thanks to goals from Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud.
The Gunners looked impressive in the victory, and perhaps should have won by more against the Potters. Mesut Ozil was particularly eye-catching in the win, helping to orchestrate the North Londoners’ dominance.
Walcott and Giroud’s performances also showed that manager Arsene Wenger may have actually been right to not sign Real Madrid ace Karim Benzema this summer. However, there is a long way to go in the campaign before that can be proven.
Here are the Arsenal player ratings…
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GK) Petr Cech, 6
Had little to do throughout, such was the dominance of the team.
RB) Hector Bellerin, 7
Again, not much defensive work to do, but did threaten in the final third.
LB) Nacho Monreal, 6
Solid, but isn’t at his best when asked to primarily attack.
CB) Gabriel Paulista, 6
Didn’t shy away from a physical battle, but also wasn’t tested much.
CB) Laurent Koscielny, 7
Covered well for Gabriel when needed, and almost scored with a long-range effort.
CM) Francis Coquelin, 7
Another who doesn’t contribute a huge amount when asked to build attacks, but didn’t embarrass himself when in possession.
CM) Santi Cazorla, 8
Grabbed an assist for Giroud’s goal, and generally looked dangerous against the shaky Stoke back line.
CAM) Mesut Ozil, 9
Back in the side following injury, and was key to almost everything the Gunners did. A brilliant pass for Walcott’s goal in the first half.
LAM) Alexis Sanchez, 8
Was unlucky not to score despite hitting the post twice, and looks to be getting back to his best.
RAM) Aaron Ramsey, 6
Out of position on the wing, and will be hoping to get a chance centrally soon.
ST) Theo Walcott, 8
Took his goal well, but maybe should have had more after a host of missed chances.
SUB) Olivier Giroud, 8
Also could have hit the back of the net more than he did, but did head home well to double the lead.
SUB) Mikel Arteta, 6
Didn’t have enough time to make an impact, but it is good for the Spaniard to be back on the pitch after injury troubles.
SUB) Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 6
Only arrived in the dying minutes, and couldn’t influence the match.