Arsenal vs. West Bromwich Albion: Live Player Ratings for the Gunners
Arsenal were looking to close the gap on third place in their penultimate Premier League match of the season, as they facedย West Bromwich Albion at home on Sunday.
At half-time, the Gunners led 1-0 in a low-key match, thanks to Olivier Giroud's firm header from a corner kick. West Brom improved after the break but there were no further additions to the scoresheet, giving Arsenal the three points.
| Szczesny | 5 | 6 |
| Sagna | 6 | 7 |
| Mertesacker | 7 | 8 |
| Koscielny | 7 | 8 |
| Monreal | 7 | 7 |
| Arteta | 6 | 6 |
| Flamini | 7 | 7 |
| Cazorla | 7 | 6 |
| Ozil | 6 | 7 |
| Podolski | 7 | 7 |
| Giroud | 8 | 8 |
| Kallstrom | n/a | 5 |
| Rosicky | n/a | 6 |
| Vermaelen | n/a | 6 |
Arsenal first half analysis
SZCZESNYโHasn't had a lot to do, though spilled a long-range effort from Dorrans.
SAGNAโGot forward well early on, not so much after the opening goal. Gave the ball away once or twice in his own half.
KOSCIELNYโGood on the cover, passing the ball out well.
MERTESACKERโHas headed a few isolated West Brom crosses from deep clear.
MONREALโLike Sagna, has gotten forward to good effect a few times, perhaps more often than the right-back.
ARTETAโCool, composed, but not really dictating the game.
FLAMINIโA bit more energy and determination about his game. Has made a few surging runs forward.
CAZORLAโLooked more involved after moving central, having started on the right.
OZILโSome neat touches and good movement to find space, but should be making more of the room afforded to him against sluggish and slow West Brom defence.
PODOLSKIโA few half-chances have fallen his way, hasn't really created much himself.
GIROUDโWell-taken goal. Has led the line well, linked up play nicely.
Arsenal second half analysis
SZCZESNYโMade a few routine saves but nothing spectacular. Did well with aerial balls in his six-yard box.
SAGNAโPinned back all half, Brunt gave him a few issues.
MERTESACKERโCame under pressure with Sessegnon dropping off and, later, the physicality of Anichebe, but stood firm to the task.
KOSCIELNYโPlayed well, cleared danger plenty of times, contributed to another clean sheet.
MONREALโOne of his better performances, though didn't get forward much after the break.
ARTETAโSubbed midway through the half, no real impact.
FLAMINIโCouldn't get forward to good effect in the second half. Outrun and out-battled on his own at times.
CAZORLAโNot heavily involved as West Brom took control.
OZILโMade good runs off the ball to provide an outlet on the counter. Final ball just lacking at times.
PODOLSKIโShould have scored from one of two presentable chances, but was a good counter-attack threat.
GIROUDโMan of the match for the Gunners for his link up play, holding up the ball and of course his match-winning goal.
KALLSTROMโNot involved enough, missed a good headed chance.
ROSICKYโLooked good initially but faded quickly.
VERMAELENโPlayed final 10 minutes at left-back.
