Arsenal
Petr Cech- 7/10
Cech had a decent game on the whole. He made a couple of fine stops, first off a Mata strike and second off a Martial curler. Cech was commanding from set plays and came off his line often to help out the defenders. He had no way of stopping the goal, though.
Carl Jenkinson – 6/10
Jenkinson replaced an injured Bellerin in the starting lineup and put in more than a solid performance. It was his first start in 2 years for Arsenal in the league and he did not look out of his depth at all. Jenkinson easily dealt with Martial and Darmian for the most part, but his attacking play was not quite up to the mark as a number of his crosses just did not find the required target.
Laurent Koscielny – 6.5/10
Hardly ever does Koscielny have a bad game and today was no different. One of the best defenders in the world, the Frenchman made 7 clearances, the highest in the Arsenal team. His positioning was perfect and he allowed Rashford no breathing space at all throughout the game.
Shkodran Mustafi – 7/10
Mustafi had a couple of poor outings prior to today, but he was back to his best when it mattered the most. With 6 clearances, 3 interceptions and a blocked shot, he was Arsenal's best player by far. His block off a Marcus Rashford strike ensured Arsenal stayed withing touching distance of United at the time.
Nacho Monreal - 5/10
The Spaniard had another poor game as he was – to be brutally honest – bullied by Valencia and co. Lucky not to have conceded a penalty for a clumsy challenge on Valencia, Monreal was found out defensively and it was from his flank that United ultimately got their goal. His attacking play left a lot to be desired as well, as his crosses simply were not up to scratch. With Gibbs waiting in the wings, Monreal better pull up his socks and soon.
Francis Coquelin – 6/10
Coquelin was Arsenal’s destroyer in midfield. Sitting in front of the defence, he did his job well, nipping in with tackles and breaking up United play. With 7 tackles and 3 clearances, it was a job well done by the Frenchman. Attacking is not his forte, however, as was witnessed by the volley he took which ended up in the second tier of the stands.
Mo Elneny- 5/10
Elneny was steady, if unspectacular. Resorting to sideways and backward passes, the Egyptian did not really help Arsenal going forward. Defensively, again, he was solid but not really intimidating.
Theo Walcott – 6/10
Walcott had a few bursts now and then but faded away too often. A couple of good runs and dribbles in the first half had Darmian on his heels but ultimately his final ball let him down badly. All in all, not a great game for Theo.
Mesut Ozil – 5/10
The German has been criticised by many for going missing in the big games and yet again, he proved his critics right. Ozil was invisible throughout the game and the only high for him was a successful nutmeg that he managed in the first half. Ozil’s normally incisive passing was missing and he often settled for sideways and backward passes on the night.
Aaron Ramsey – 5/10
Many were surprised by Arsene Wenger's decision to start Ramsey ahead of Iwobi and their fears were justified. The Welshman had a night to forget as he constantly gave away possession, especially in the first half, attempting fancy dribbles or killer passes. Defensively, he did put in a shift and made a couple of good tackles but a very average performance, on the whole. Ramsey also received a yellow card for a poor challenge on Herrera, late on.
Alexis Sanchez - 6/10
Sanchez was energetic as always and constantly pressed the United back four trying to force them into errors but he just did not have the support of his teammates. On the ball, he was Arsenal's only threatening presence in the first half and made a couple of fabulous turns leaving the defenders in his wake. His passing radar was off, however, and he often gave away the ball cheaply. Also, the Chilean missed a sitter in the first half to give Arsenal the lead when he headed wide from the 6-yard box.
Substitutes
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6/10
Chamberlain provided exactly what Arsenal needed throughout the game - pace and quality in the final third. After coming on in the 83rd minute, he provided the assist for Arsenal’s goal just 6 minutes later. Driving past Rashford with ease, he hung up a ball to the back post which Giroud headed home.
Granit Xhaka – 4/10
Xhaka was brought on with 10 minutes to play as Arsenal searched for the equaliser. His only contribution to the game, however, came in the form of the yellow card he received deep into stoppage time.
Olivier Giroud- 7/10
Why Giroud doesn't start is a question on many fans’ lips. After rescuing Arsenal against Sunderland just weeks ago, the Frenchman was at it again. Rising above the Manchester United defenders to power a Chamberlain cross home, Giroud sent out yet another message to Arsene Wenger. Another impactful performance from the Frenchman - something that the Gunners desperately needed.
