That was lucky.

We began the first half with a few encouraging balls over top and early corners but were playing a bit flat.

In general, we were very handbrakey, without much width and didn’t seem to have many ideas.

I’m glad we won but Reading held us at bay impressively.

Wojciech Szczesny 6

Although there was a deflection for their goal, he should’ve done better. He seems to love putting himself under pressure by needlessly rolling the ball out right in front of himself.

Mathieu Debuchy 6

Although he put in a couple of decent crosses, he was partially at fault for the goal and gave the ball away a fair bit. Hasn’t played in three months, why was he even starting?

Per Mertesacker 6

A good game with some vital clearances. Also got in some good goal scoring positions during set pieces. Helpfully he’s not too badly injured.

Laurent Koscielny 6.5

He made some good clearances but was reasonably decent.

Kieran Gibbs 6.5

Put in some good crosses but was also caught in possession a few times and could’ve done better for the goal. Another who was off the pace, unsurprisingly.

Francis Coquelin 6

He wasn’t his usual self but put in some good interceptions. Gave the ball away too much.

Aaron Ramsey 7

wasn’t his usual self at all, though could have easily had two goals.

Santi Cazorla 8

He was strong holding up the ball, good on the break and put a few good passes through to Alexis Sanchez.

Mesut Ozil 7.5

Brilliant assist for Sanchez’s goal. Generally played well.

Alexis Sanchez 8

Never stopped working and scored a brace.

Danny Welbeck 6.5

He wasn’t particularly great but tried to get in the right areas.

SUBS

Gabriel 7

Got a couple of good clearances and blocks but also got a yellow card. Should have scored one, could have had two.

Olivier Giroud 7

A few good chances; one of the post in extra time.

Theo Walcott 6

He seemed like a threat but was also dispossessed easily.