EPL Player Ratings: Arsenal vs. Wolverhampton

Wolverhampton W.

Arsenal

• Marouane Chamakh 1, 90

Arsenal secured their seventh win of the 2010/2011 season in impressive, gritty fashion. The Gunners endured the rare feeling of lack of possession for the long periods throughout the game, but thanks to goals in the first and last minutes by Marouane Chamakh Arsene Wenger's men were able to win 2-0 against a doughty Wolverhampton outfit at the Molineux.

If Arsenal are to suceed in ending their notorious five year trophy drought, performances like that will undoubtedly help. Wenger's men proved they are more than capable of handling a physical attack alongside showing their ability to grind out results.

The Gunners started in emphatic fashion when Alexandre Song swung in a perfect cross to Marouane Chamakh who secured the opening goal. However, Wolves showed admirable spirit and refused to let to early goal dampen their confidence with heavy periods of possession. 

The excitement stemmed considerably with the game become more physical and less fast and action packed. Both keepers were forced into saves throughout the half, but the score remained the same as half time beckoned.

There was little change with Mick McCarthy's men after halftime who once again dominated most aspects of the game. However, the Arsenal back four remained strong and maintained an impressive head and dealing with the Wolves attack.

As usual, the North London giants were threatening on the counter attack with Cesc Fabregas and Andrei Arshaivn both failing to capitalize on chances. Wolverhampton began to increase the tempo and Lukasz Fabianski was forced to make a number of smart saves to ensure the Arsenal goal remained clean.

As time began to favour the Gunners, Wolves began to tire and Arsenal were gifted opportunities to relieve pressure. The chances, however, went begging. Mick McCarthy's side then went all out, and late in injury time Christophe Berra fired a superb strike that look destined to be the agonising equalizer. Fabianski made a terrific one handed parry to evade a draw.

Marouane Chamakh than broke away whilst the Wolves were still reeling and was able to finish the safety goal.

Player Ratings

Lukasz Fabianski: 8.5: A superb performance from the Polish shot stopper. A number of clean, impressive saves that ensured Arsenal remained ahead on the score sheet. The error at Newcastle has certainly faded.

Bacary Sagna: 7: Wolves domination in possession ensured the Frenchman was not as active in attack, but defended strongly in defence dealing well with the likes of Matthew Jarvis and Stephen Hunt.

Sebastien Squillaci: 7: Lead the defensive line credibly and made a number of smart interceptions alongside the odd powerful headed clearance.

Johan Djourou: 6.5: As usual, the Swiss started somewhat nervy, but calmed as the game wore on to make some strong challenges. He also provided a commanding presence off set pieces and was unlucky not to find his first Arsenal goal late on.

Gael Clichy: 7.5: The Frenchman was strong and tidy, dealing well with Matthew Jarvis and Stephen Hunt. Clichy was also composed when danger arose in the Arsenal box, always ready to avert the danger.

Alexandre Song: 7: The Cameroon star made a number of incisive challenges at the heart of the midfield having played a delightful cross to assist Marouane Chamakh early on.

Jack Wilshere: 6.5: The English starlet was not as active and energetic in attack, largely to Wolves physical approach and the lack of possession. However, Wilshere made a number of strong interceptions and rarely made an error in possession.

Cesc Fabregas: 6: The captain endured a lacklustre performance. Failed to capitalize on some great chances and played too many balls that went astray. None the less, the Spaniard did have his moments but the Arsenal fans expected more.

Tomas Roiscky: 7: A positive performance as the Czech contributed greatly. Reacted impressively to orchestrate the first goal and quietly contributed in both defence and attack.

Andrei Arshavin: 6.5:  The Russian dynamo was wasteful infront of goal on more than one occasion and at times left Clichy vulnerable in defence. However, Arshavin was always a threat on the ball and provided a reliable source out wide.

Marouane Chamakh: 8: A terrific effort from the Moroccan. Took his chances well and worked tirelessly throughout the game despite Arsenal's lack of possession. Also provided an imposing presence when defending set pieces.

Substitues

Denilson: 6: Provided fresh legs late on and made some much needed interceptions. Picked up a dubious yellow for his troubles too.

Nicklas Bendtner: N/A: Barely a minute for the imposing Dane

Samir Nasri: N/A: Likewise with the latter for the French playmaker.