Arsenal player ratings in 3-0 win over Fenerbahce

Arsenal’s players celebrate their goal against Fenerbahce during their UEFA Champions League Play Off first leg match at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul on August 21, 2013. (BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images)

Arsenal came back from Saturday’s defeat with a great win against Turkish giants Fenerbahce. Here are my ratings of the players:

Wojciech Szczesny (7) – Didn’t have much to do throughout the game but when called upon, the Pole was quite reliable. After a shaky performance against Aston Villa, the Polish international responded with an authoritative display.

Bacary Sagna (7) – For a second game running, the Frenchman started as a right back but had to switch positions due to an injury to one of the defenders. This time, he had to play in the middle of the defence alongside Mertesacker, after Koscielny picked up an injury.

Per Mertesacker (7) – The German had a solid display and was strong at the back. Won much of the aerial duels and made some crucial interceptions.

Laurent Koscielny (6) – Picked up a bad injury after getting kicked in the face really hard. The injury was told to be quite bad, as the cut caused by the kick was very deep.

Gibbs (7) – The English full back had a memorable night with a good performance. The left back charged up and down that left hand side. A good defensive play saw very less attacks build up on the right hand side. Gibbs was also the scorer of the first goal.

Ramsey (8.5) – A truly brilliant display by the Welshman as he just dominated the Fenerbahce midfield. The work rate, tackling and passing were good yet again as he built on his good performances in pre-season and on Saturday against Aston Villa. With a lovely through ball for the first goal and a good long range effort for the second, Ramsey came out with a Man of the Match performance.

Wilshere (6) – The English international had a decent performance in the middle of the park. Looked as if he was still not 100% match fit, but glimpses of his trademark bursts through midfield could be seen. He will surely have a great season if he stays fit throughout.

Rosicky (6.5) – The best role he did yesterday was in pressing the opponents. The Czech put in a lot of hard work and never stopped running. The 32 year old was always coming back to get the ball and build up play.

Cazorla (6.5) – Not at his best yesterday but did look a threat whenever he received the ball. Always looked for the long balls to start off the counter. Some of his flicks and back-heels were eye catching and did open up the Fenerbahce back four. We will soon see the best of him.

Walcott (8) – The Englishman needed a goal just to top his wonderful performance on Wednesday night. The speedy winger troubled the Fenerbahce left back with his electrifying pace and darting runs through the middle. Many attacks were built from the right hand side.

Giroud (7) – Was frustrated with the physicality of the Fenerbahce centre backs but did cause them some problems too. Hold up play was nice and he continued his goalscoring form, as he dispatched his penalty with a good strike into the top left corner.

Subs

Jenkinson (6.5) – The young right back was brought into action much sooner than expected to replace the injured Laurent Koscielny. Always looked to overlap on the wing and combined up with Walcott quite well.

Podolski N/A – Was brought on late for Olivier Giroud and didn’t have much time to do anything.

Monreal N/A – Came on for Walcott to provide better defensive stability in the dying moments of the game.

Definitely a performance that made the Arsenal faithful happy. Games of this tempo, along with new signings, would make sure Arsenal fans are enjoying and ensure Wenger’s stay for another year yet again.