To return to the Champions League after falling behind six points in the Group Stage, Arsenal would require serious grit and determination to get there – not to mention the ability to overcome significant injuries to their midfield. Luckily, the Gunners showed all three in a dominating performance over Dinamo Zagreb that has the team just one convincing win over Olympiacos away from returning to the knockout round.
After a slow start that was reminiscent of their September defeat to Dinamo Zagreb, Arsenal finally came to life at the 30′ mark with a sensational score from Mesut Ozil.
Not to be outdone by one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, Alexis Sanchez got in on the scoring action just minutes later, bagging a goal of his own in the process.
Arsenal continued to dominate the second half and put Dinamo Zagreb away for good with a beautiful assist from Joel Campbell to Alexis Sanchez put them up 3-0 and sealed the victory.
With that win, Arsenal are just one big win over Olympiacos from securing a place in the knockout round again.
Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their 3-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League:
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GK Petr Cech – 8/10
Cech was as spectacular as Arsenal have come to expect, making a pair of saves and keeping the goalpost empty.
DF Nacho Monreal – 7/10
Had a key assist to Alexis’ first goal, but his foul trouble is still an issue.
DF Koscielny – 8/10
Four clears and two tackles secured a really good performance by Koscielny.
DF Per Mertesacker – 7/10
Quiet but decent outing for Mertesacker.
DF Hector Bellerin – 7/10
Similar to Mertesacker, Bellerin wouldn’t let Dinamo Zagreb near Arsenal’s box.
MF Santi Cazorla – 7/10
The team’s top passer, Cazorla made four corners and drew three fouls.
MF Mathieu Flamini – 6/10
A slightly less convincing effort from Flamini, who conceded two fouls and was about the only Arsenal midfielder who didn’t try to take a shot.
MF Alexis Sanchez – 10/10
A terrific and downright spotless effort by Sanchez, who did every little thing right to save Arsenal’s Champions League hopes.
MF Mesut Ozil – 9/10
Of course, it wouldn’t be a great Arsenal performance without a huge contribution from Mesut Ozil. He had a goal and a stunning five corners.
MF Joel Campbell – 8.5/10
The young Arsenal midfielder has a bright – and lucrative – future ahead of him. Campbell’s assist to Sanchez for the team’s third goal was a thing of beauty.
FW Olivier Giroud – 7/10
A rather quiet day for Giroud after he displayed tons of fire and emotion for Arsenal over the past weekend.
Substitutes:
Aaron Ramsey – 7/10
Finally healthy again, Ramsey did a good job controlling the ball in the 24 minutes he had on the field.
Calum Chambers – 5/10
Arsene Wenger decided to add a fifth defender to prevent a late rally by Dinamo Zagreb. He was alright.
Mathieu Debuchy – 5/10
A late sub for Bellerin who was not asked to do much.