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Arsenal
Petr Cech – 6
Made a good save early in the game to deny Choupo-Moting and scrambled out to try and deny Jese but was unfortunate to allow Stoke to score. He did not have a whole lot to do as Arsenal dominated possession and the chances.
Hector Bellerin – 7
In a slightly unnatural LWB role, he looked extremely comfortable and threatened in behind and in Stoke’s box numerous times.
Shkodran Mustafi – 6
In his first game this season the German looked comfortable but could not avoid Arsenal conceding early in the second half.
Nacho Monreal – 6
The Spaniard is certainly growing into his new CB role but it would seem he’s more suited to playing on the left side of a three. Could have potentially got tighter to Jese for the goal but wasn’t the main man at fault.
Sead Kolasinac – 6
The Bosnian made less marauding runs forward, in comparison to the Leicester game, and defended well throughout the first half minimising Stoke’s threat. It was not perhaps his best game but he defended well for the most part.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6
Oxlade-Chamberlain usually makes more direct runs at the opposite full back but came unstuck the majority of the time as Pieters defended well.
Granit Xhaka – 5
His passing, as usual, was spot on as he sprayed the ball from side to side with ease. However, a silly decision to chase down a misplaced pass cost his team and allowed Stoke to take the lead.
Aaron Ramsey – 7
As he has earned a regular spot in the team he has become the Ramsey of old. His runs from deep are crucial and he’s an extremely dangerous part of Arsenal’s attack.
Danny Welbeck – 7
His intelligent movement and runs in behind gave Stoke’s defence lots of problems and he was unlucky not to score. His finishing may need improving to gain a regular place in Arsenal’s starting 11. Overall the Englishman put in a great performance.
Mesut Ozil – 6
Quite typically of Ozil he didn’t look to be involved too often but still produced some magic on occasions as he created chances for his team-mates. Came into life more in the second half as he twisted and turned away from Stoke’s midfielders.
Alexandre Lacazette – 7
He may not have been involved as much as he would have liked but the Frenchman’s link up play looks to be very good and suits Arsenal’s way of playing. Denied Arsenal’s equaliser after a great strike when the replays proved he was the tiniest bit offside.
Substitutions:
Olivier Giroud – 6
The Frenchman seemed to struggle to gain a foot hold in the match after being brought on and could not make an impact like he did against Leicester.
Alex Iwobi – N/A
Replaced Granit Xhaka with 12 minutes to play and tried his best but couldn’t really get into the swing of things.
Theo Walcott – N/A
Replaced Lacazette at the same time as Iwobi’s arrival and his name was barely mentioned.
