Arsenal played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Manchester City at the
Emirates today as second half goals from Jack Wilshere and Alexis Sanchez were
cancelled out by the Argentine duo of Sergio Aguero and Martin Demichelis. Both
teams played some scintillating football for periods of the game with the
Gunners unplayable in the first 20 minutes while Man City completely dominated
the second half, despite conceding twice!
Here's how the individual players
performed for both teams...
Arsenal
Szczesny - 7/10 - A mixed bag
from the big Pole as he produced two excellent saves, but probably should have
done better from the corner which got Manchester City their equalizer.
Debuchy - 6/10 - Didn't offer as
much of an attacking threat as usual, but was good in his defensive role.
Unfortunately picked up a terrible late injury which could rule him out for a
long period.
Monreal - 6/10 - Worked really
hard all game, but just isn't good enough to compete at the highest level
against the best teams in the league.
Koscielny - 6/10 - Was caught out
of position for the first Manchester City goal and beaten in the air for the
second.
Mertesacker - 7/10 - Despite his
lack of pace, he was the best of the Arsenal defenders, making key
interceptions.
Flamini - 7/10 - Worked very hard
once again and put in an excellent shift, but just like Monreal, lacks the
quality at the highest level.
Wilshere - 9/10 - Outstanding
game from the Arsenal no.10. Rode challenges, scored a goal, picked up an
assist and worked tirelessly. Was his best outing in an Arsenal shirt, perhaps
ever.
Ramsey - 7/10 - Had a really good
game as well, contributing well to Arsenal's attacks. Missed a good chance when
Arsenal were 2-1 ahead to win the game for the Gunners.
Sanchez - 8/10 - His set piece
delivery was terrible, but he took his goal expertly and his work rate was
outstanding.
Ozil - 4/10 - Was the worst
player for either side on the pitch and it is amazing that he wasn't withdrawn
by Arsene Wenger as Arsenal were often playing with just 10 men.
Welbeck - 6/10 - A very good
debut from the England international, one he really should have capped off with
a goal. Some will believe he was unlucky with his early effort, others will say
he really should have scored.
Subs:
Chambers - 6/10 - Struggled for a
bit after coming on late in the game and it will be interesting to see how he
fares the rest of this season especially given Debuchy's injury.
Oxlade-Chamberlain - NA - Was
brought on too late to impact the game
Arteta - NA - Conceded a crucial
late free kick.
Manchester City
Hart - 5/10 - Could do nothing
about either goal, was saved his blushes by Welbeck's early miss. Wasn't really
challenged by the rest of Arsenal's efforts as they were mostly right at him.
Zabaleta - 7/10 - Had a good game
in either half. Roughed Arsenal's attackers up enough and nullified Monreal
whenever he came forward. Also made a key late interception when Welbeck
threatened.
Clichy - 7/10 - Largely solid
defensively, but his one error when he was sold a dummy by Wilshere cost City a
goal. Almost scored one at the other end though as he burst through on goal,
but skewed his effort wide.
Demichelis - 6/10 - Was largely
anonymous for the bulk of the game, before popping up to score the header in
the 83rd minute which won City a point.
Kompany - 8/10 - Was a monster at
the back for City, marshalling his troops to perfection and conceding a lot of
niggly fouls to throw Arsenal off their game. Fortunate not to have been
booked.
Fernandinho - 8/10 - An
outstanding outing from the defensive midfielder as he nipped many an Arsenal
attack in the bud and put himself in the way everytime Arsenal stormed forward.
Was a little fortunate to be on the pitch though after committing one too many
fouls.
Lampard - 5/10 - Struggled to get
in the game in the first half, leaving Fernandinho with too much to do, and was
rightly subbed at half-time.
Milner - 7/10 - Had a decent
first half, but an excellent second as he slotted into central midfield. Will
hopefully see plenty more playing time this season. Was perhaps lucky not to be
booked for his lunges on Debuchy in the first half.
Silva - 8/10 - Excellent outing
from the Spanish maestro as he worked hard and carved open the Arsenal defence
with ease all day long.
Navas - 7/10 - Produced the cross
from which Manchester City took the lead. Was consistently a threat down the
right with his pace and direct play. Also worked hard defensively and wasn't
scared to get stuck in. Like Milner, was lucky not to be booked.
Aguero - 7/10 - Took his goal
expertly and was a threat right through his hour on the pitch.
Subs:
Nasri - 5/10 - Scored from an
offside position, but struggled to really make any impact against his former
club.
Dzeko - 6/10 - Had some glorious
opportunities to score, but was denied once by the post and once by an
excellent save from Szczesny.
Kolarov - 7/10 - Took the corner
which saw Man City draw level, and also hit the post late on.
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