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Ratings: Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland: Walcott Stars For Toothless Gunners

By on May 20, 2015

Theo Walcott Arsenal

Arsenal are limping towards the finish line after a hugely frustrating 0-0 draw with Sunderland at the Emirates tonight.

Despite amassing 28 shots on goal, 8 of which were on target, we couldn’t find a way through. The draw leaves us 3 points clear of Man Utd in third with a +7 goal difference over them, so we’re all-but ensured of automatic Champions League qualification.

However, no goals in our last three home games is hardly the kind of form we want to be in heading into the FA Cup final.

Here are my ratings:

Ospina  7.5/10 – Made two excellent saves to deny Fletcher and at least one other decent stop to keep them out.

Bellerin  7/10 – Our only source of width for 70 minutes. The Spaniard put in some dangerous crosses too.

Mertesacker  7/10 – Lost Fletcher once but was otherwise calm and composed at the back.

Koscielny  7/10 – Pretty comfortable evening for Kos as Sunderland were reduced to sporadic attacks on the break.

Gibbs  6.5/10 – Looked a little rusty at times, especially in his decision making in the final third, but solid enough.

Ramsey  6.5/10 – A frustrating game. Lacked ideas and was forced into speculative long shots. He did play one lovely defence splitting pass for Theo though.

Cazorla  5.5/10 – Far too many sideways passes and refused to shoot on the edge of the area, opting to cut back inside where a Sunderland man was waiting.

Wilshere  7/10 – Easily our best player in the first half when he played some wonderful through-balls. Understandably he tired after the break.

Özil  5.5/10 – Largely anonymous. Very little movement and he was given no room to work his magic so his talents were basically redundant.

Alexis  7/10 – At least Alexis looked like he was trying to make things happen, but ultimately it wasn’t to be his game as nothing came off for him. Hopefully he’s rested on Sunday.

Giroud  6/10 – Given absolutely no room as a packed Sunderland defence crowded him out. He did find space to go close with a decent flicked effort but wasn’t to be.

Subs:

Walcott 7.5/10 – Made a huge impact off the bench and no doubt he should have started. Forced Pantillimon into two fine saves and was a real threat.

Rosicky 6/10 – Sliced a decent effort wide late on. At least we know he’s still alive.

Ultimately, we were a little unlucky in the timing of having to play Sunderland as they were always going to put 10-men behind the ball for 90 minutes. Now they’re safe, they’ll go to Chelsea on Sunday, not give a shit and get spanked 5-0.

However, the game also once again highlighted that we most definitely need a world class striker and the boss needs to figure out how to break down these stubborn teams who refuse to play football. Tapping the ball from side to side in front of their defence isn’t working…..

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