Arsenal 3-1 Sunderland: Player Ratings

Jordan Pickford – 7

Pickford had a good game, making some great saves and there wasn’t a lot he could do with the three goals. His distribution was also very good, something we’re not used too.

Patrick Van Aanholt – 4

He got in plenty of attacking positions but his service let him down. He watched Campbell score the first Arsenal goal instead of trying to prevent it and he allowed Bellerin to provide several dangerous crosses.

DeAndre Yedlin– 5

Much the same defensive frailties as Van Aanholt however Yedlin attacked better and provided the cross for Fletcher who nearly put Sunderland in front in the second half.

Seb Coates – 6

A lot of Arsenal attacks came down the flanks, however there were a few moments were quick Arsenal passing got through the centre.

John O’Shea – 6

The centre defence kept Giroud quiet for large spells of the game, however as the game got more open Arsenal created more chances.

Lee Cattermole – 7

Controlled the midfield for most of his time on the pitch as he had to cope with the lack of defensive help from Toivonen.

Ola Toivonen – 4

Still not sure what he does.

Jeremain Lens– 7

Started the game really well and got the opening goal. Everything good that Sunderland did in the first half involved him but he faded in the second half.

Duncan Watmore– 6

Watmore tried his best as he always does however he missed a golden chance with a rebound when the score was 1-1

Steven Fletcher– 6

Huffed and puffed playing the central role without a great deal to go on, but he really should have buried the header in the second half

Danny Graham– 5

Seemed to have to do more defensive work to make up for the liability behind him. He doesn’t look comfortable out on the wing but that’s understandable.

Yann M’Vila– 6 (Sub)

Came on for Cattermole probably for a quick run out, he had a couple of decent set piece deliveries and he generally moved the ball around.

Billy Jones– 5 (Sub)

Came on just before the two late goals were conceded and he didn’t really do much.

Charis Mavrias– 5 (Sub)

Introduced late on without much time to make a real impression, but showed quick feet.

Man Of The Match – Jeremain Lens

Lens gets the man of the match because he looked good in the first half and got the goal. No other players really made that much of an impact in the second half.

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