Phew, we survived another nerve-wrecker at The Emirates as Arsenal managed to snatch a late win against Southampton, with both of our new signings getting their debuts.

Petr Čech – 6

Čech was very unlucky to concede that first goal – it came off his back after a good, if awkward save. But honestly, he should have been positioned better. Other than that, good match for him.

Hector Bellerin – 6.5

Bellerin was very good, with some great runs in attack and good crosses and combinations with other players, but he could have been better. Defensively okay also.

Shkodran Mustafi – 6.5

A good debut for our new German in defence. He did misplace some passes but that’s completely okay for a debut. We could sen that he loves having the ball and passing it forward and it’s exciting to see how he will do in the next set of matches.

Laurent Koscielny – 7.5

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Laurent Koscielny of Arsenal celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on September 10, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Laurent Koscielny of Arsenal celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on September 10, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)

Oh man, that goal! Koscielny was celebrating his 31st birthday and scored an overhead kick as a present to himself. He was his usual great self during the whole match, with only 1 misplaced pass. Best centreback in the league.

Nacho Monreal – 6

Nacho looked a bit off, and Southampton’s players were playing a lot down his side, especially in first half. They scored from a foul made by him, although it looked like a dive to us. He gobetter as the match went on.

Francis Coquelin – 6.5

No yellow for Coquelin deserves that extra half a point from me. A surprise starter for many, with Xhaka needing a rest after international duty. He was typical Coquelin, but didn’t make much of a mess this time around, did nothing extra good either.

Santi Cazorla – 8

Santi Cazorla is the man. Would we have won the league last season if he wasn’t injured? Maybe. He was once again bossing the midfield, creating chances, tracking back when needed. He was completely calm when taking that late penalty, and created several chances before that as well. It’s so great to have him in our team!

Mesut Özil – 6

Tough to say this but Mesut wasn’t himself at all. He did make some good passes, but his first touch wasn’t great and there were times when he should have done better with the ball. Maybe he also needed some rest.

Theo Walcott – 6.5

He didn’t do much at first and Southampton’s players closed him well. He grew into the game later on and helped create a few chances.

Alex Oxlade Chamberlain – 6

Again the same with The Ox, who is such a frustrating player. At times he does so well, great passes, good ideas, and then he shoots it out of the stadium for a goal kick. Needs to work a lot.

Lucas Perez – 6

A debut for our new number 9, and you could see it was his first match. Clearly needs time to adapt to the game although he looked okay. It will get better!


Alexis Sanchez – 6.5

Alexis started on bench because of the international break, and he looked sharp when he came on. Influenced the game as soon as he got the ball, had a few shots and helped creating some chances.

Olivier Giroud – 6.5

Giroud scored for France during the break but he didn’t managed to score against Southampton, even though he had a few shots (off target). He did win us the penalty that brought us three points so good job, Oli!

Alex Iwobi – 0

Came on late, didn’t do much.