Arsenal vs. Chelsea, recap and Gunners’ player ratings (Part 2)
Laurent Koscielny: Rating: 6.5/10
Koscielny missed a golden opportunity in the starting minutes of the game to put Arsenal in command. The feeble young defender had to battle hard with the very physical Didier Drogba and he was muscled out on many occasions. Surely the new signing of Arsene
Wenger needs time to adjust to the physicality of the English Premier league.
Koscielny did win some aerial battles with the Drogba, and with time, he could prove to be a real asset for Arsenal.
Sebastien Squillaci: Rating: 5.5/10
Surprisingly, Sebastien Squillaci was named as the skipper of the Gunners against Chelsea. Squillaci being named as a captain of Arsenal came as a shock to all Gunners fans. Squillaci had only played five games for Arsenal up till now but naming him as a
captain in this crucial fixture was just illogical. Other devoted players like Samir Nasri or Andrei Arshavin should be handed the arm band.
Although, Squillaci had an average game but Chelsea’s speedy attacker exploited his lack of pace on many occasions. The French defender was fortunate that his error to let Nicolas Anelka nick the ball away from him did not prove too costly.
Bacary Sagna: Rating: 6/10
Sagna tried his best to stop Florent Malouda on the left flank. The veteran right back of Arsenal also blocked a number of Chelsea crosses. However, Sagna found it difficult to handle Ashley Cole's overlapping runs.
Moreover, Sagna did not contribute much to the attack, as he remained at the backline in order to stop Chelsea’s counter attack.
Alex Song: Rating: 6.5/10
Alex Song made a couple of important tackles to break up the attacks. It was debatable whether Alex Song was fouled during the build up of the first goal. Undoubtedly, The Cameroon international has improved his passing but still he needs to develop his
attacking style of play.
Overall, it was a decent game for Alex Song.
Jack Wilshere: Rating: 7.5/10
The young English midfielder was not overawed by the occasion and showed a lot of composure on the ball. Wilshere tried his level best to influence the game. He was one of the most committed players on the field.
Jack Wilshere played quite well and deserves a pat on the back for his devoted efforts.
Abou Diaby: Rating: 6/10
Abou Diaby played as a shadow striker just behind Marouane Chamakh. Although, the talented French midfielder had a decent game but he could not influence the proceeding of the game.
Samir Nasri: Rating: 7/10
Samir Nasri was the most inspirational player for the Gunners. Nasri featured on the right wing for Arsenal yesterday. It looked like that he was not comfortable playing on the right flank as he often drifted into the centre, offering little width to the
Gunners.
After the substitution of Diaby for Rosicky, he played in the centre, but failed to create any notable chances for his team.
Andrei Arshavin: Rating: 5.5/10
The Russian skipper’s rasping shot in the first shot was superbly stopped by Chelsea goalie, but otherwise, Andrei Arshavin had a quiet game by his standards. Arshavin’s passing was not up to the mark, and was wasteful in possession.
Moreover, Arshavin’s one particular cross caused panic for Chelsea, but Marouane Chamakh failed to avail that chance.
Marouane Chamakh: Rating: 6/10
Chamakh gave his complete effort on the field. The Moroccan international had some good opportunities to score yesterday, but fluffed his lines. Chamakh also missed a golden opportunity in the second half when Peter Cech was down on the ground.
Furthermore, Chamakh tried hard for his team, but was not clinical in front of goal and proved why Robin van Persie still remains the Gunners’ best striker.
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