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Same Old Arsenal Ratings v Sunderland

By Matty Sadler
May 20 2015

This was basically the Swansea match all over again. Fortunately they didn't get a smash-and-grab winner this time, though Steven Fletcher came very close twice. We failed to hit the target too many times, and when we did they were easy saves for Pantillimon. Sunderland got men behind the ball and make it difficult for us. We just continue to stroke the ball sideways without a plan B. I was expecting changes tonight, but I'm really annoyed Theo didn't start. Starting two "inverted wingers" made us narrow and predictable again. Walcott is usually pretty useless when he comes off the bench, but he was quality when he came on tonight. It just showed what fast direct running can do out wide. I'm afraid Cazorla, Ozil and Alexis just weren't good enough, again. Those three should be pulling apart sh*te like Sunderland on their own. Our bench is sh*t. Giroud didn't have a particularly good game either, and aside from Walcott our weak bench was entirely made up of defenders and midfielders. We need to fix up, and fast, or Villa are going to give us a shock. However it does mean that third place is almost certainly assured.  

Ospina - 7. A couple of good moment in each half prevented another Swansea, otherwise not much to do.

Bellerin - 6. Sound at the back. Tried to offer something going forward.
Mertesacker - 6. Fine.
Koscielny - 7. Snuffed out most attempted Sunderland counters on his own.
Gibbs - 6. Sound at the back. Good movement in the final third but no end product.

Ramsey - 7. Our best on the night again. Played Theo in with a worldie through ball.
Cazorla - 5. Lots of passes on the edge of the area but not enough penetration unfortunately.

Wilshere - 6. He tried, but maybe was a little rusty. Should've done better with his chance.
Ozil - 5. Did very little all game. Disappointed.
Alexis - 5. Frustrating and too predictable.

Giroud - 5. I love Giroud, but aside from one well improvised attempt in the second half, he did very little.

Subs:

Walcott - 7. He came off the bench, provided much needed width and actually used his pace for a change and go at his man. Unlucky not to have scored/ made the winner. Should've started.

Rosicky - N/A. Not on long but still nearly scored the winner.
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