EPL Review: Arsenal Player Ratings vs Swansea City

Arsenal secured their first Premier League win of 2011/12 with a 1-0 victory over promoted Swansea City, in what was an entertaining encounter at the Emirates Stadium.

After a traumatic summer which included the departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, alongside a recent 8-2 humiliation defeat to reigning English Premier League champions Manchester United, the win was a welcome relief.

A bizarre Andrei Arshavin goal minutes before half time was enough for the Gunners to overcome a persistent and impressive Swans outfit, who were without manager Brendan Rodgers following the death of his father.

Arsene Wenger was without trusted presences—renowned defensive midfielder Alexandre Song and Ivorian attacker Gervinho were both serving the final game of their respective three match bans, whilst defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen, and midfield hero Jack Wilshere, are not expected back until November.

However, fortunately for the North London giants, Michael Vorm's error provided the turning point. The Dutch keeper, who was a £1.5 million signing from FC Utrecht during the summer for Swansea, chased an erratic Theo Walcott shot before surprisingly offloading it to defender Angel Rangel. However, the Spaniard was clueless to the pass and the ball rebounded against his heel to Andrei Arshavin, who finished impressively from a tight angle.

Both sides endured missed opportunities throughout the game, particularly Swansea striker Danny Graham, who was gifted a superb chance to equalize in the final moments of the game, but failed to convert his header.

Arsenal began to show signs of regaining confidence after the United trauma. The Gunners bossed possession for large periods and showed fluent passing near the box. Furthermore, it was a positive experience for deadline day signings Mikel Arteta and Per Mertesacker, who both impressed on their Arsenal debuts.

Wenger and his men can finally boast a win in the Premier League for the season, and it's certain things will only improve with players returning and the squad beginning to gel.

Player Ratings

Wojciech Szczesny:7: The Polish shot stopper continued his impressive form with a strong display, despite some nervy moments. Szczesny made a number of sublime saves, particularly a reflex effort early on against Danny Graham.

Bacary Sagna:6.5: The reliable Frenchman, who was sorely missed against Manchester United, was strong on the right flank, despite some testing encounters with Scott Sinclair. As expected, Sagna was an impressive contributor in attack. 

Per Mertesacker:6.5: A solid debut from the giant German. Mertesacker appeared composed and strong at the back, communicating well with Laurent Koscielny. Furthermore, the player signed for £8 million from Werder Bremen will only improve as he becomes accustomed to the pace of the English game.

Laurent Koscielny:7: The Frenchman was solid despite enduring some lapses in concentration. Suprisingly surged forward on occasions and continued his no-nonsense, tireless defending.

Kieran Gibbs:6.5: The England international was returning from injury and it occasionally showed, as the Swansea attack overcame his defensive efforts at times. However, Gibbs was relatively solid and also provided an energetic outlet in attack.

Emmanuel Frimpong:6: The teenager provided superb energy and tenacity in the midfield, but was guilty of some erratic touches and passes. Once again, Frimpong was at times to rash with his challenges, but did make some strong interceptions and broke the play up nicely.

Mikel Arteta:7: A strong debut from the Spanish playmaker. Arteta added a creative spark that had been lacking in recent weeks and linked up impressively with Robin van Persie. Showed his ability to cut open defences with passes as the former Everton dynamo played some delicate through balls.

Aaron Ramsey:6.5: The Wales captain was assured in the central midfield, but failed to create an impact as fans desire. Ramsey wasted a sterling chance in the opening minutes, but overall contributed well to the Arsenal attack.

Andrei Arshavin:7: An energetic display from the Russian who took his goal superbly. However, Arshavin was exposed many times with his lazy approach to defending, as he fails to be aware of his opponent. Nonetheless it was a strong performance from the dynamo who now needs to find consistency.

Theo Walcott:6: The Englishman was unlucky to not engrave his name on the scoresheet early in the first half. Walcott produced some dangerous runs, but ultimately failed to provide at the by-line, and was guilty of wasting some minor chances.

Robin van Persie:6: The Arsenal captain was again too quiet at times, but did produce a brilliant moment of play when he evaded two defenders before his scintillating shot hit the post. The Dutchman may need to be partnered upfront rather than be the lone man.

Substitutes

Yossi Benayoun:6: The Israel captain produced a solid debut from the bench. Benayoun showed glimpses of his creativity and spark with some threatening runs.

Francis Coquelin:6: The French youngster enjoyed an easier outing than his debut against United, as Coquelin was assured in the final quarter of the game.

Marouane Chamakh:N/A: The Moroccan was unlucky not to score within moments of entering the field.