Arsenal Player Ratings Vs Stoke:3-1

It was considered one of Arsenal's toughest encounters in their run home. A game which could make or break Arsenal in their final title challenge.

But after the game the outcome seemed not to matter as the event that occurred marred what was turning into a exciting encounter.

Five minutes after the hour a challenge by Ryan Shawcross left Aaron Ramsey in a horrific state. Shawcross was immediately given a straight although the Englishman did not intend to hurt Ramsey nor was their any malice involved. Shawcross was devastated by what his challenge had done and left the field in tears.

The game took a while to get back into groove but with the man advantage Arsenal managed to score two late goals to ensure their breathing right down Manchester United and Chelsea's neck.

Player Ratings

Manuel Almunia:7 :The Spaniard was confident and strong apart from one blunder which to be fair he was fouled. Positive signs for Manuel.

Bacary Sagna:7 : The usual Sagna in defence and did help out occasionally in attack.

Sol Campbell:8 : Once again the veteran defender was solid and strong. A number of strong challenges and wasn't afraid to help lead the youthful Arsenal side.

Thomas Vermaelen:8: Showed no fear whatsoever whilst defending and scored a neat goal at the death to end the encounter completely.

Gael Clichy:7.5: The old Clichy returned and it was a welcome sight for Wenger. Solid in defence and a great contributor in attack.

Alexandre Song:8: A great performance without setting the world on fire. Worked tremendously in defence and matched the physicality of the Stoke attack.

Cesc Fabregas:8.5: Led from the front and provided a sensastional cross for Nicklas Bendtner to level things up. Continually an attacking a threat and thankfully got a deserved goal.

Aaron Ramsey:N/A: Everybody hopes this exciting youngster recovers well.

Emmanuel Eboue:7.5: Some lovely, threatening runs but always seems to falter with the last ball. Provided good energy and pace down the right.

Samir Nasri:6.5: Glimpses and tastes of his magic but failed to really spark due to the tight defending that Stoke offered.

Nicklas Bendtner:8.5: A terrific effort to level the match and continued to be a great attacking source controlling the ball splendidly and showing maybe he is as good as he says he is. 

Substitutes

Tomas Rosicky:7: A great long range effort established the third and final goal.

Theo Walcott:N/A:

Eduardo Da Silva:N/A