After a chaotic final 10 minutes, Arsenal managed to beat Crystal Palace 3-2 at Selhurst Park on Thursday evening.
The Gunners once again demonstrated how lethal they can be going forward, as well as our fragility at the back during our victory over Palace.
Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez, Jack Wilshere and Alexandre Lacazette were all superb on the attack. However, apart from Shkodran Mustafi, we were shambolic in defence.
Here’s how each player got on:
Forwards
Mesut Ozil – 8
The playmaker didn’t stop running. He was everywhere at once, linking up with Jack and then Alexis before making runs through on goal himself. What a player.
Although he ‘only’ completed 86% of his passes, four of them were key passes. The only player who managed more (five) was Wilfried Zaha for Palace.
Alexis Sanchez – 8.5
It was good of Alexis to finally show up with just days left before the January transfer window opens.
The Chilean’s potential move to Manchester City is just around the corner and he’s obviously remembered that he has to actually be decent if he wants them to sign him.
The 29-year-old was superb against Palace. At the front and at the back. He was every bit the player we know he is. Head and shoulders above his previous performances this season.
Alexis completed just 82% of his passes but completed five dribbles – more than any other player on the pitch – and even won three tackles.
He was dispossessed seven times – also more than any other player on the pitch – but, like Jack, I imagine this was to do with constantly being involved in play…
Not that the 29-year-old is known for keeping hold of the ball or anything…
Alexandre Lacazette – 7
The striker got unlucky once or twice and appeared to be trying to set up other players, like Ozil and Alexis, more than getting in front of goal himself.
His assist for Alexis’ first goal, for example, was lovely and his hold-up play is huge for us.
Still, the 26-year-old had two shots and looked lively.
Next up, subs