Read Arsenal player ratings from their 2-0 victory against Hull City, with Nicklas Bendtner and Mesut Ozil scoring from Carl Jenkinson and Aaron Ramsey assists.
Arsenal defeated Hull City Tigers 2-0 in the Barclays Premier League despite Arsene Wenger making five changes to his starting line-up.
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The squad rotation policy worked a treat though, and the Gunners racked up a comfortable win, going a goal up within two minutes and looking in little danger throughout.
Indeed, it is no hyperbole to suggest that the north London outfit could have been four goals up within half an hour.
Read Arsenal player ratings below:
Wojciech Szczesny – 7/10
Had very little to do. A passing percentage of 88% – a massive success rate for a goalkeeper – indicates how little pressure Arsenal’s defence were under throughout.
Carl Jenkinson – 7/10
Carl Jenkinson deputised for Bacary Sagna impressively. The Englishman is not the greatest in possession, but played it simple when he was closed down, and got forward to fire in a superb cross for the opening goal.
Nacho Monreal 8/10
Is there a better backup left back in the Barclays Premier League than Nacho Monreal? Without the Spaniard stretching to keep the ball in play, Arsenal would not have been able to score their second goal, and Monreal was composed for the whole match.
Per Mertesacker 7/10
As ever, marshalled the Arsenal defence well.
Laurent Koscielny 8/10
Laurent Koscielny was solid at the back, and his pace and comfort in possession is always a boon for the Gunners.
Mathieu Flamini 8/10
Mathieu Flamini’s superb positioning makes it difficult for opposition sides to break through the Gunners lines. He might not make as many tackles as Mikel Arteta, but his sheer presence helps quieten Arsenal’s foes, and helps his own team’s full backs get forward.
Aaron Ramsey 9/10
With Mathieu Flamini cutting off opposition attacks, Aaron Ramsey was free to get forward, and played two crucial passes last night. The first was his through ball to Carl Jenkinson down the right, giving the defender the time and space to cross, and the second was a delightful reverse ball to Mesut Ozil to score.
Santi Cazorla 8/10
Santi Cazorla showed signs of returning to his best with an dominant display from the left side of attacking midfield, and played an astonishing 99 passes. Combined well with Mesut Ozil.
Mesut Ozil 9/10
Mesut Ozil was always going to shine in this sort of game, with the Emirates Stadium’s pristine pitch perfect for his quick passing and wonderful first touch.
The German was able to glide past players at will, and his wrong-footing finish to double Arsenal’s lead was glorious.
Tomas Rosicky 7/10
Tomas Rosicky’s energy belies his 33 years, with the Czech midfielder a constant menace to opponents thanks to his constant harrying leaving them with little time on the ball. Rosicky was also useful in attacking zones, making three key passees before being substituted.
Nicklas Bendtner 7/10
Arsenal fans were nervous about Olivier Giroud being rested and Nicklas Bendtner coming in as his replacement, but any remaining doubts were alleviated after just two minutes when the Denmark international headed in Carl Jenkinson’s cross.
Bendtner worked hard, and could have doubled his tally from close range, but was unable to stretch for the ball.
Substitutes:
Jack Wilshere 7/10
Earned more minutes with the game already won to help his quest to find full fitness.
Theo Walcott 7/10
Provided an attacking outlet and helped stretch play for the final minutes.
Mikel Arteta 7/10
Shored things up nicely to wrap up the game.
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