Arsenal staged a second half comeback to defeat Swansea.
Another home game, another win. Arsenal have been doing pretty well at home this season. They were so confident that they thought to give Swansea a head start.
Sam Clucas’ first half goal was enough to turn the Emirates crowd into a groaning mess. Arsenal’s performance was lacking in quality, but they found just enough of it in the second to turn things around. Sead Kolasinac fired them level before setting up Aaron Ramsey for the winner.
It wasn’t as slick a performance as it was against Everton, but a win is a win.
Here’s how the players got on.
Defenders
Petr Cech 5
Cech’s reputation as a top goalkeeper has remained intact but Saturday was another match that suggests his powers are fading.
He left his goal unguarded when he rushed out to close down Sam Clucas, and gave the Swansea player an easier finish than he would have had otherwise.
A couple of decent stops later redeemed him, but it’s becoming clearer that he’s the not world class keeper he used to be.
Laurent Koscielny 5
The French defender put in a clumsy showing.
His failure to beat Tammy Abraham to the ball, followed by him falling over, allowed the Swansea striker to set-up the opening goal.
In the second half, he missed a good chance on a set-piece, though did win a couple of good headers while Arsenal were seeing out the game.
Per Mertesacker 5
Once again put against pacey, mobile strikers, and once again rarely troubled.
Mertesacker put in a steady showing, with the lowlight of him being caught dallying on the ball in his own penalty area.
Cech was on hand to spare his blushes.
Nacho Monreal 6
Of the three centre backs, he was the most willing to push forward into space and back-up the attack.
In the second half, he reminded people that he’s a pretty decent wing back, too, by providing an excellent cross for Olivier Giroud.
He may find himself playing in that position more often after Kolasinac limped off, but initial reports indicate the Bosnian’s injury is only minor and he could be back next weekend for Manchester City.
Next, midfielders