Arsenal vs. Sunderland: Gunner Player Ratings in Arsenal's 2-1 Victory

After a tough match with Sunderland, Arsenal were able to pull off the win and defeat them 2-1. Many players took hits while others gave them.

Here are the player ratings for Arsenal during today's match.

Wojciech Szczesny: 6.5

Szczesny is probably the most entertaining keeper to watch in the PL. He can make amazing saves from point-blank shots while also making irrational decisions on where to be.

Sunderland could have tied it up once during the match after he decided to run to the edge of the box to try and tackle an oncoming attacker. He was easily avoided by the forward, who could have sent the ball in for a teammate, who had an open net.

In any case, he has been doing a superb job as the Gunner's keeper, and will continue to impress.

Laurent Koscielny: 7.0

The French international, who is making his return from an injury, played a relatively quiet match today. He made the tackles when necessary and drove the ball forward on the counter attack, yet was not a star.

It might be because of the injury that he was a bit shaky, but hopefully Kos will become the vital defender that we know him to be.

Per Mertesacker: 6.5

Mertesacker had little trouble controlling the attacking Sunderland forwards, who rarely demonstrated a threat on goal. He used his height to win everything in the air and to clear the ball from Arsenal territory. He, along with the other defenders, had a pretty relaxed game.

Hopefully, when they face off with Marseilles in the Champions League and Stoke next week in the PL, they'll have to put in more effort defending their goal.

Kieran Gibbs: 6.0

While Gibbs had a pretty solid game, most of Sunderland's attacks came from the opposite flank, giving him a pretty easy job. He had a tough time containing Elmohamady, even while he was too quiet this match.

Gibbs was withdrawn from the match early in the second half.

Andre Santos: 6.0

Santos replaced Gibbs early on in the second half and had no trouble defending his post. He was able to aid the attacking players when called upon.

While he was able to help the forwards, he did not hesitate to stay well behind the midfield line throughout the second half.

Carl Jenkinson: 6.5

Jenkinson was the starting right back for Arsenal today against Sunderland. He put in his usual performance by not really having an impact on the outcome of the match.

On defense, when he got the ball, he would control it and send it right to another player. On offense, he would streak down the right side of the field, only to make a useless cross that got sent away by a Sunderland defender.

It will take time, but Jenkinson is settling into the Arsenal squad and could become a real asset to the team. Even so, I really cannot wait for the return of Bacary Sagna.

Mikel Arteta: 5.5

While he was able to make some nice passes around the midfield, he was unable to make a committing effort to winning the midfield game. He had little authority over many of the player on the Gunner's squad and faded into the scenery as the match proceeded.

One of the more notable plays that Arteta failed to commit was his free kick, just shy of the box. He sent the ball sailing over the cross bar and into the moaning Gooners.

Not the performance that we'd like to see from the player that was somewhat supposed to replace Fabregas.

Alex Song: 6.5

Song was the leader of the Arsenal midfield and asserted a rather physical dominance over opposing players. While he was able to control the ball and trick the defenders, he had a problem with passing. He became a ball hog and turned the ball over many times.

His defensive skills were lacking in today's match, making sloppy tackles and receiving a yellow card.

Gervinho: 6.0

Gervinho was able to drive the ball up the side of the field, yet failed to convert any of the attempts. He was a goal threat at times throughout the match, yet—and I can not stress this enough—he could not finish.

He would be able to make amazing runs to the opposing box, and then would either have the ball deflected out of bounds, shoot it wide of the post or over the cross bar.

He must work on his finishing touch.

Andrei Arshavin: 6.5

Arshavin came in as a substitute in the 68' for Gervinho and put in a marvelous effort.

His quick footwork and shots on goal reminded Gooners of the old Arshavin. His creativity was very useful for Arsenal, who seemed out of ideas during the second half.

If he continues to make these impressive shows, he might just be able to work himself back into the starting XI.

Theo Walcott: 5.5

Walcott had a very poor performance today. He was quiet throughout the entirety of the match, not making good attempts on goal. In four total shots, only one was on goal.

His lack of inspiration left him playing into Sunderland's hands. This certainly was one of Walcott's worst matches of this year's campaign.

Robin Van Persie: 8.0

Van Persie played extremely well the entire game. After a 1' goal, Van Persie could have had a hat trick within the first fourteen minutes, yet failed to convert his chances.

He gave Sunderland quite a challenge controlling him by making fast, accurate passes, dangerous crosses and shots on goal. He did not end up scoring again until the 82' on an amazing free kick.

He has become Arsenal's lucky talisman after helping them win this match, scoring their only two goals. That is why I give Van Persie the Arsenal Man of the Match award.

Tomas Rosicky: 7.5

A well-played match allowed Rosicky to be one of the better players on the Arsenal side. He was constantly able to break the midfield three and move the ball forward onto the attack. Neat and tidy footwork showed his ability as the starting forward next to Van Persie.

A well-performed match allowed this to be one of his best games yet.

Yossi Benayoun: 6.0

Came in for Rosicky in the 77'. Had little to no effect on the outcome of the match.

Hopefully he can do better in the proceeding matches.