Rosicky shows just why Arsene Wenger keeps selecting him…
Arsenal player ratings
- 01 Szczesny – 7
A clean sheet is all you can ask from a goalkeeper, and the Polish stopper provided just that. Very nearly dropped a clanger though when his clearance rebounded off Loic Remy, but went just wide.
- 03 Sagna – 8
Really, really good. Arsenal will be fools if they don’t move heaven and earth to tie the Frenchman to a new contract. He dealt with Gouffran especially well.
- 28 Gibbs (Arteta – 70′ ) – 6
Not as accomplished as Sagna on the other flank, but the young fullback did try to get forward and help attacks as much as possible. Unfortunately for him, he came off injured late on.
- 04 Mertesacker – 7
Solid as ever from the giant German. Dealt with Loic Remy well, and didn’t lose a header all afternoon. One of the best centre-backs in the Premier League.
- 06 Koscielny – 7
Mertesacker’s partner was just as good, and helped Arsenal keep a much needed clean sheet this afternoon. The Gunners now top the Premier League table, and have Koscielny’s regular interceptions and clearances to thank.
- 10 Wilshere – 5
His relationship with Flamini wasn’t outstanding, and he gave the ball away on far too many occasions. If this was his chance to show Wenger he can do Aaron Ramsey’s job in the centre, he blew it.
- 20 Flamini – 7
The Frenchman was resourceful in the middle, and the perfect kind of player for a tough away trip to St. James’ Park. While his passing wasn’t brilliant, his tenacity made up for it.
- 14 Walcott (Jenkinson – 80′ ) – 6
The pacey wing forward assisted Giroud’s goal with an excellent set-piece delivery, but struggled to get behind the Newcastle defence as much as he would have liked to.
- 07 Rosicky – 8
The best player on the pitch. The ageing Czech playmaker was very effective between the lines and looked likely to carve Newcastle open at every opportunity.
- 19 Cazorla – 6
The Spaniard came in to the side in place of Mesut Ozil, but did nothing to suggest he’ll be able to keep the spot permanently. Cazorla is not the same player as last season, but he did pull off one outrageous piece of skill which will forever feature in future Youtube compilations!
- 12 Giroud (Bendtner – 86′ ) – 6
Before his goal, the Frenchman was pretty quiet, but managed to get his head on the end of a dangerous set-piece to secure Arsenal a crucial three points. Giroud did then miss a glorious chance to seal the game for the Gunners, but his blushes were spared as Newcastle failed to score a late equaliser.
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