Although Arsenal’s 1-0 win over West Ham wasn’t the most entertaining match, the Gunners were the better team and we’re through to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Here’s how the players got on individually:
Defence
David Ospina – 5
The goalkeeper had very little to do since Arsenal held onto the ball for pretty much the entire match. The few chances West Ham did get, they didn’t really threaten at all. He might as well have taken a nap.
Mathieu Debuchy – 6.5
As poor as the game was, the right-back was solid. He assisted Danny Welbeck’s first half goal and put in some good crosses. He also attempted to drive play forward and overlapped well with Theo Walcott in the first half but the forward was wasteful with the ball.
Calum Chambers – 7
A really promising display from the 22-year-old at centre-back. Although West Ham didn’t do much attacking, he was calm and confidence, and snuffed out any possibility that they might get forward.
The England u21 international also did a good job against Andy Carroll when he came on in the second half.
Rob Holding – 6
The youngster was quiet but it was a pretty sedate game in general. He seemed to feel secure alongside Chambers and the two defenders could make a good pairing in the future.
Sead Kolasinac – 6
The left-back had a slow start but warmed into the game after around 20 minutes. He had a shot himself in the first half and was robbed of an assist when he floated in a lovely cross for Theo. The forward headed it wide.
Next up, midfield
Midfield
Francis Coquelin – 6
The midfielder attempted to drive play forward a couple of times and overall had a pretty solid game. He’s no Jack Wilshere but credit where it’s due, he didn’t have a terrible match.
Mohamed Elneny – 6
There were a couple of times when the midfielder seemed to be floating around aimlessly but overall he was decent. As he always is. Although Elneny doesn’t offer a huge amount, he also rarely puts a foot wrong and the West Ham clash was no different.
Joe Willock – 6.5
The 18-year-old put in another encouraging performance. The midfielder was chasing every ball and seemed keen to impress. All he needs to do is work on his composure a little, which should come with time.
Next up, forwards
Forwards
Theo Walcott – 5
Theo was once again poor. His passing was wasteful, his shooting was even worse and his secret weapon, his speed, also seems to have disappeared.
Danny Welbeck – 6
Although Welbz didn’t have the most thrilling game, he did score in the first half and put Arsenal 1-0 ahead with the most Welbecky goal ever. He pretty much bundled the ball into the net off his own shin. Still, a goal is a goal, especially when it wins you the game and sends you through to the next round.
Olivier Giroud – 6
The striker got into the right positions but was caught offside a handful of times. It would have been interesting to see if he would have done better if he’d have had better service and not Theo missing him all the time.
The 31-year-old was subbed off for Nelson late in the match with a suspected hamstring injury. Hopefully, it’s not serious.
Next up, substitutes