Arsenal never really got out of 2nd gear against Stoke because they didn’t have to.

Despite scoring the bizarre penalty given away by Granit Xhaka in the first half, the visitors didn’t really do anything. Our players outclassed them all over the pitch without having to even try.

This is how it’s supposed to be.

Petr Cech – 6

The goalkeeper let in the penalty but didn’t have that much else to do.

Gabriel – 6.5

Defensively, the Brazilian does a pretty solid job at right-back but going forward Gabriel lacks the pace of Hector Bellerin. At least now that the Spaniard is back, Gab’s had some time on the pitch so he’s not too resty, since it looks as if Mustafi is out.

Shkodran Mustafi – 6

The centreback can really pick a pass, such a useful skill for a defender to have. It’s unfortunate that he go off injured, hopefully he’s okay.

Laurent Koscielny – 7

Standard solid Kos.

Nacho Monreal – 7

The left-back appears to be getting back to his best, putting in some vital blocks.

Francis Coquelin – 6.5

The midfielder has improved going forward massively and he’s gelling well with Xhaka. Hopefully, he continues to develop.

Granit Xhaka – 7

Although he gave away a penalty (debateable), apart from this, he played some good football.

Theo Walcott – 6.5

Despite being anonymous for most of the game, the forward scored the equaliser just before half time.

Mesut Ozil – 7.5

The German can’t stop scoring! Ozil put Arsenal 2-1 with a lovely header in the second half.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7

The Ox is pretty upping his game this season. His ball in for Ozil’s goal was lovely.

Alexis Sanchez – 7.5

Alexis is Alexis. Watching his and Ozil’s partnership on the pitch is amazing.

SUBS

Hector Bellerin – 7

You could tell that the right-back wasn’t quite ready to be thrown into the mix. He was a little off the pace and seemed to be afraid to go into any challenges. Going forward he was good, though, and he managed his seventh Premier League assist for Theo’s goal. Good to have him back.

Alex Iwobi – 6.5

The 20-year-old came on and scored within minutes. Nice one, Alex.

Olivier Giroud – N/A