Arsenal‘s first match since Arsene Wenger announced that he is stepping down at the end of the season saw the Gunners pick up a resounding 4-1 win over West Ham, who will feel the scoreline was harsh.
Here’s a look at how the Arsenal players and manager performed.
MANAGER
Arsene Wenger 7 – His announcement got some of the fans back on board, as the Emirates Stadium looked less empty than it has for a long time. Good substitutions to put Arsenal back in control in the second half.
STARTING XI
David Ospina 6 – Could do nothing for West Ham’s goal but was assured otherwise, including looking much more commanding in the air, which has been a weakness.
Hector Bellerín 5 – Looked shaky at times at the back and some of his attacking play left much to be desired.
Shkodran Mustafi 5 – Still looks unconvincing as a top-level defender. Was caught out on more than one occasion when West Ham were attacking.
Laurent Koscielny 6 – Dealt with West Ham’s attackers with relative assuredness. Strong tackling, good aerial presence, and marshalled his defence adequately.
Nacho Monreal 7 – Arsenal’s best player on the day along with Welbeck. Was tenacious defensively and popped up to score an excellent opener.
Mohamed Elneny 6 – Was offering his usual steel in the middle of the park for Arsenal until he was forced off with a gruesome injury.
Granit Xhaka 4 – Another ineffective display from the midfielder. Most of his attacking play didn’t come off, he missed an easy scoring chance, and as usual, he was caught out defensively.
Aaron Ramsey 7 – Full of running in a typically robust performance. At times lacked his usual cutting edge, but got Arsenal’s second through a touch of fortune and brilliantly set up their fourth.
Alex Iwobi 4 – Absolutely nothing went right for the youngster. Poor touches, poor crosses, poor decision-making – all in all, a day he’ll want to forget.
Alexandre Lacazette 7 – For a long time, this was looking like another poor day for the Arsenal striker. Perseverance paid off, however, with two late goals to seal victory.
Danny Welbeck 7 – An excellent performance from a player who is rounding into form nicely at the end of the season. He’s making a strong late case for World Cup selection.
SUBSTITUTES
Ainsley Maitland-Niles 6 – Thrust into a crucial role as Arsenal’s main defensive midfielder, the youngster acquitted himself well.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 7 – Although he didn’t get a goal or assist, his introduction changed the game. His running and positional awareness immediately improved Arsenal’s attack.
Calum Chambers N/A – Came on late for Welbeck as a time-wasting substitute.
