Arsenal enjoyed a late victory over Cardiff City thanks to goals from Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott. Read Gunners player ratings from the Emirates Stadium clash here.
01 Wojciech Szczesny – 7/10
After a mistake against West Ham, Wojciech Szczesny was back to his best against Cardiff City. He didn’t have a huge amount to do, but saved every shot he faced.
03 Bacary Sagna – 8/10
Bacary Sagna is one of the best examples of an athletic full back in world football today, with the Gunners star great at the back as well as racing up the line to join the attack.
Sagna’s newly found aptitude at centre half has also resulted in impressive aerial prowess, and when he found himself in the Cardiff box late on, it was his header that David Marshall saved which Nicklas Bendtner was able to capitalise on with a rebound.
17 Nacho Monreal – 8/10
Nacho Monreal is one of the best full backs in the Premier League, but is only backup to Kieran Gibbs at Arsenal.
The Spain international recovered from illness to replace the injured England man, and proved a more than adequate replacement.
04 Per Mertesacker – 7/10
Rarely looked threatened in defence, but ought to have done better with two free headers on goal prior to Arsenal’s two goals. Looked mightily relieved to have received three points at the final whistle.
06 Laurent Koscielny – 7/10
Laurent Koscielny was hardly troubled at the back, and his comfort on the ball allowed him to break forward to start attacks.
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