United v Arsenal: Player Ratings..

Great stuff from the team last night, it was a very nervous opening but we grew into the game and overall I enjoyed the match in the end. A couple of things bug me, however, firstly; the injury to Oxlade-Chamberlain, who had another great game last night, is a blow, and as of yet there has been no word as to the extent of the injury; when I get more I'll post it. Secondly; we could have won by more, if it wasn't for great goalkeeping by United's player of the season David De Gea, we really could and should have scored 3 or 4 goals. I suppose it's better not to be greedy at this stage and keep the big win for our trip back to Old Trafford in May. Right so, to the player ratings.

Starting Lineup;

Szczesny- 6- I thought he looked very nervous throughout; his kicking was poor and even worse is that he still tries to take on player's in the box,  that drag back on Rooney infuriated me, there's no need to take needless risks like that. He did, however make a good save in teh first half from Di Maria, I think it was. Not his best night, but then again it's not his best season.

Bellerin-7- He started off quite shaky; but as was the case with a lot of players he grew into the game. He was wrongly booked for the first real tackle of note in the match inside the first 5 minutes, and did well throughout the game not to get sent off. He made one more foul in the seond half but the referee was right to keep him on the pitch; as was Arsene to bring him off and not tempt fate. All in all he looked dangerous going forward; very quick as we know and quite solid at the back. Another solid  night for the young Right back.

Mertesacker-7- Looked nervous and Monaco-esque at the start and gave away a needless corner. He perhaps could have came over more to support Koscielny for the United goal if your being harsh. Nothing else to report as Per went about his business quietly and effectively last night. Continuing his recovery from the Monaco nightmare.

Kosciely-7.5- Looked back to his best last night; could have done better for the goal but apart from that he was imperious throughout and won 33% of Arsenal's aerial duels, and won more than Fellaini (with 7 to his 5). He even made some of his trademark interceptions. Let's hope he can keep this form up and the Achilles injury at bay. He will be a key player for the season end

Monreal-8- One criticism of Monreal was not getting close enough and stopping Di Maria delivering the cross for United's goal. He made a great contribution at the other end with a well taken goal, and when you consider the fact that he won the penalty at Man City as well earlier in the season; his attacking play really has taken a whole new level this season. Overall another excellent night for Monreal who has been our best defender this season, has a great first name too.

Coquelin-8.5- MOTM- Another excellent game last night; he was making tackles, making interceptions, sprayed the ball around more efficiently than in other games; basically everything you need in a top class defensive midfielder. He gives great energy to the team and really protects that back 4; there seemed to be some concern that he had picked up an injury but he got through the match fine. What a season he is having.

Cazorla-7.5-  Another performance at the standard we are beginning to expect of Santi every match it seems now; used his quick feet to get out out of a few tricky situations; but that's just normal for him. Passed the ball well, and helped the team tick over, he really has been important to us in the deeper position in covering for Arteta. His work rate again was most impressive, made another few sliding challenges. Christmas comes every day with Santi.

Chamberlain-7.5- Gave everything you expect of him; Made some great runs, none more so than when setting up Monreal's goal, had plenty of energy and worked very hard for the team as well, he also seemed to hold on to the ball better than in previous matches. Very good performance in his best season for Arsenal so far. Let's hope the injury isn't too bad.

Ozil-7.5- Thought he went missing for parts in the first half, but really grew as the team did in the second half (or would it be the other way around?) He was a key cog in the attacking machine again tonight and his work rate was even more impressive. Having a good season; even better since his return from injury, we will need him throughout the seasons end.

Sanchez-7.5- Another solid performance from the signing of the season and was really unlucky not to have scored a goal; he gave Valencia the run around for the night, he must have still had him in a daze when he decided to assist Welbeck. Work rate is never in doubt; great player.

Welbeck-7.5- Was going to give him a 7 but how harsh would that have been, giving he scored the goal that knocked United out in their own backyard? In the first half he looked very nervous and his first touch alluded him, he also struggled to hold the ball up for our midfield runners. He looked a different player in the second half with a point to prove; he took his goal really well, he made Valencia make the mistake. Hold up play was a lot better. Solid season so far for Welbeck.

Subs:

Ramsey-7- Came on for the injured Chamberlain and gave a lot of energy to the midfield and worked tirelessly also. Nothing much to report except that its nice to have him back from injury. Did well to prevent himself from needlessly running into the box looking for a goal.

Chambers-7-Came on for Bellerin to prevent a red card. He looked solid throughout, was very disciplined and won few headers that Bellerin wouldn't have been able to get at. He will be looking to get back in the team; what am interesting battle we have at right back. 

Giroud-7- Earned a 7 simply through work rate alone, he didn't have much to do when he came on but he ruffled a few of the United centre backs in the air; he also made a great recovery sliding tackle after he won the ball. Excellent season for Giroud, who was surprisingly left out of the starting lineup.

Right that's about that; Walcott didn't get on again today are his days numbered? Surely he will start against West Ham at the weekend? Also shout out to the Manager who got his tactics spot on and surprised Van Gaal by going for the win. The referee also had an excellent game and wasn't afraid to make the big calls, good job. 

As a side note, is it just that the standard of refereeing has been so poor this season that we feel the need to praise him? Or was it down to his actual performance? Let me know what you think in the comments.

Right, I'll have another post up later on the game overall, so keep on eye on twitter here @ https://twitter.com/Cosmic__Kid, for that.

Subjectively, Cosmic Kid.