We’ve all had our fair share to say about Mathieu Flamini recently, myself included, and a lot of it hasn’t been positive.
However, many off us are now eating our words after a spectacular performance against Spurs in the Capital One Cup that resulted in us winning 2-1, with both goals coming courtesy of the Frenchman.
Although it wasn’t the best performance from us on the whole, we took our chances and when Spurs got tired, we pounced.
David Ospina – 7
The goalkeeper had a couple of nervy moments (like when he decided to drop the ball towards out goal line in the 72nd minute) but overall he gave an okay performance. The goal came off one of our own players and he did a good job in the 32nd minute of distracting Danny Rose so he shot over the bar.
Kieran Gibbs – 7
Although he wasn’t the strongest player on the pitch, he made a superb goal line clearance in the 66th minute to deny Harry Kane (mwuahaha).
Calum Chambers – 6.5
Although he didn’t get off the the best of starts after losing sight of Per a couple of times, his positioning improved as the game went on and the only reason I’m giving him 6.5 instead of 7.5 is because of the own goal.
Per Mertesacker – 7
The BFG actually worked well with Chambers and although he’s still not back to his best after a chest infection and almost had a bit of a mix up with Ospina in the 75th minute, he wasn’t bad.
Mathieu Debuchy – 5.5
Debuchy was once against on a mad one and nowhere to be found for the majority of their attacks. Danny Rose could have driven a car down that flank. Hopefully he sorts his positioning out soon.
Mathieu Flamini – 10
Where do I begin? Here Flamini, take all the 10/10s.
Mikel Arteta – 7
The midfielder was slated a lot for his pace but that’s why Flamini was played. In my opinion, he had a solid game.
Aaron Ramsey – 7.5
The Welshman got to play in a more central role – his favourite – and was instrumental in our attack.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6
As ever, he had a great time running at defenders but not doing a huge amount in the final third. However, his shot did lead to the first goal.
Joel Campbell – 6
The lad looked lively and up for a challenge; during the first half he was running around trying to get stuck into everything. I’m sure with more playing time and experience, he’ll be useful.
Olivier Giroud – 6
The poor bloke was pretty much anonymous again and is now missing goals he would have put straight in the back of the net last season. His confidence is shot.
SUBS
Alexis Sanchez – 5
Gradually regaining fitness and had a great time running into the spaces Spurs left after the 70th minute but still nowhere near his best.
Theo Walcott – 5.5
Although he didn’t really have enough time to make an impact on the game, he still looked promising on the wing. Yes, the wing, Theo.
