Arsenal made hard work of their game against relegation fodder, Stoke, on Easter Sunday.
The match was dire for the first hour until Alexandre Lacazette’s introduction sparked Arsenal into life.
But on a day of poor performances across the team, did anyone stand out?
Defence
David Ospina 4
I must admit, my first thought upon seeing Ospina’s name on the teamsheet was to hope that Arsene Wenger had decided to let the Colombian play in the league because Petr Cech would now be given the responsibility of the Europa League. Neither are ideal options but Cech is certainly far better than Ospina.
Had little to do but managed to make that look awkward and, as one commentator said during the game, played ‘like an outfield player forced to play in goal’.
Hurt himself when he fumbled an easy take, two incidents that will make up 95% of Opsina’s showreel when he retires.
Was almost beaten direct from a corner and then got injured coming to claim the ball in injury time.
Hector Bellerin 6
Needs help on the right but kept the ball well, found his teammates and managed a key pass, and a shot. A couple of fouls highlighted how isolated he is out there.
Shkodran Mustafi 6.5
Mustafi grew into the game after a slow start with some exceptionally sloppy passing. Smashed Peter Crouch in the face so we can forgive all the rest.
Calum Chambers 6.5
Came in as expected for Laurent Koscielny whose body continues to hate him, and put in a solid display at both ends, registering three shots at goal (only Aubameyang managed more). Four interceptions was the best of the back line while he also managed three clearances.
Nacho Monreal 6
Like Chambers, Nacho managed three shots as his thirst for goals refuses to abate. A little off the pace like so many of his teammates, there was to be no sixth goal of the season for the 32-year-old. At 66.7%, his passing accuracy was the worst of any Arsenal player – including David Ospina.
Next, midfield
Midfield
Mohamed Elneny 6.5
Elneny did what Elneny does. A solid, stable and industrious afternoon from the Egyptian and while not everything he tried came off, he never stopped trying.
Was replaced by Granit Xhaka after 75 minutes.
Aaron Ramsey 7
Another Arsenal midfielder with an engine that could, Ramsey showed no signs of having undergone surgery during the interlull. Cracking the ball against the bar with a delightfully cheeky effort, there was to be no fourth goal against the Potters for Ramsey.
Jack Wilshere 5
Handed the captain’s armband once again, which Arsene Wenger insists is not a bribe to convince him to sign a new deal but is 100% a bribe to get him to sign a new deal.
Looked sluggish and like he’d been out of action for a few months rather than a few weeks.
Was replaced by Henrikh Mkhitaryan just after Arsenal scored their first from the penalty spot.
Next, attack
Attack
Mesut Ozil 7.5
Didn’t enjoy the best of afternoons, like the rest of the team, but his through ball for Auba on the 70th minute was probably the best Arsenal moment of the match. Goals aside, obviously.
He also won the first penalty when he weaved his way into the box and appeared to stub his foot into the ground as he tried to do a dinked pull-back. The defender was close enough to make it look like it was a foul and the referee pointed to the spot.
Still managed to play six key passes while the rest of the Arsenal team only managed 10 between them.
I’ve seen some people claim he was one of Arsenal’s worst players against Stoke which is nonsense. His passing was more accurate that Aaron Ramsey, who is being hailed in comparison by those same people, and, despite not scoring or assisting only Aubameyang outperformed him on the day – and he scored two goals!
Danny Welbeck 4
Was he on the pitch? He must have been because he was taken off.
Replaced by Lacazette, a substitution that was very well received within the ground.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 7
Aubameyang’s limitations are painfully evident when he’s deprived of service and that’s exactly what happened against Stoke for the first hour. He thrives in the penalty box and if Arsenal can’t even get the ball to him in those areas he can’t really be expected to do much.
Had a chance to open the scoring for Arsenal when he was played through by the most sublime ball from Mesut Ozil but hit it straight into Jack Butland’s chest who did well. Stepped up for the penalty and tucked him home with confidence to break the deadlock.
Auba made the points safe 10 minutes later with a quality finish from 12 yards out giving Butland no chance. It was a perfect demonstration of poise and technique when it comes to striking a rising ball.
Letting Laca take the second penalty instead of claiming his own hattrick was a class move from a player who is more of a team-player than Alexis Sanchez ever was.
Subs
Alexandre Lacazette 7
Brought on after 60 minutes and looked energised and busting to get involved.
His introduction certainly lifted the tempo of the entire side and Arsenal were ahead 15 minutes later as the game opened up.
Held the ball up well and played in Mkhitaryan for the Armenian to test Stoke’s keeper.
Not content with that, he won a penalty by luring in a Stoke idiot who just shoved him in the back. Looked nervous as he stepped up to slot it home to make it 3-0 and goodnight Stoke.
In general, he made a great impact on the whole Arsenal side and it was an excellent return for the Frenchman who looked so relieved to net from the spot.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan 6
Was another who was full of energy and produced a fine save from Butland. His enthusiasm, however, affected his passing which was more than a little wayward.
Granit Xhaka 5
Was only on for a few minutes when he managed to stamp on a Stoke player. It seemed clumsy more than malicious but, either way, he was lucky the referee missed it completely. Allowed Joe Allen to wind him up, although to be fair he was defending Lacazette whom Allen had just tried to cripple.