Saturday, 6 December 2008
Arsenal Vs Wigan 1-0 Players Rating
ARSENAL
Almunia - 6 -
He still looks slightly unconvincing at times when dealing with crosses, but came up with a fine reaction save to deny Melchiot in the second half.
Clichy - 6 -
He hasn't quite reached the heights of last season yet, and his defending was nervous at times. He also doesn't seem to go forward as much as he used to.
Toure - 6.5 -
Considering this was his first game in a while, he managed to hold fort against a very aggressive and physical Wigan line up.
Djourou - 7 -
Looks like the answer to Wenger's defensive woes, and seems to combine well with both Gallas and Toure. Again, was stretched by the Wigan attackers, but he showed character to keep his cool.
Sagna - 7 -
Was a good performance by the Frenchman, who now seems to be reaching the level Gunners fans are used to seeing him perform at.
Nasri - 6 -
Suffered another injury setback after he was hacked down by Palacios, but he linked up well with Van Persie and Clichy during his half-hour stay.
Song - 6.5 -
He's been on the end of a lot of criticism from Arsenal fans of late, but he put in a decent shift today. His height was the important factor for Wenger, and he distributed the ball tidily, especially in the second half.
Fabregas - 7.5 -
A very good performance by the Arsenal captain, who seems to be settling into his new role well now. His passing and vision was exemplary as usual, and he got into the opposition box on a number of occasions, something he should do more often.
Denilson - 6.5 -
Again played out of position, he worked hard, and also managed to hit the woodwork, but he still loses possession at times, and is muscled out of the challenge regularly.
Van Persie - 6.5 -
He didn't exactly carry on from where he left off last week, but he grew into the game as it wore on, and had a number of attempts on goal. Should have scored though.
Adebayor - 7 -
Arsenal's center forward pounced superbly on a loose ball for the only goal of the game, and even hit the post with a powerful shot late in the first half.
Substitutions
Eboue - 5 -
To be fair, the left wing isn't a natural position for a right back, and he didn't do all that badly until late in the second half when his confidence went for a complete toss after a few misplaced passes. The fact that the crowd got on his back didn't help at all.
Silvestre - 5 -
Brought on to provide defensive cover and experience, the few passes he made didn't inspire any confidence whatsoever.
WIGAN ATHLETIC
Kirkland - 7.5 -
For Wigan to put up a fight at the Emirates Stadium, Kirkland had to deliver, and deliver he did. He made a number of top quality saves, notably the one from Adebayor in the first half which eventually bounced off the post.
Figueroa - 6 -
Wasn't the best performance by the left back, and was troubled even by the out-of-position Denilson at times. Was marking nobody for long stretches, as Denilson cut into the center, and got booked for a cynical foul on Van Persie.
Taylor - 7 -
A strong performance at the back, and some good deliveries from set pieces.
Bramble - 6 -
He performed well along with his partner in defence, but was at fault for Adebayor's goal, when he should have been much more alert.
Boyce - 6.5 -
He did rather well until he was brought off, but it isn't much of a test facing Eboue who was playing as a left winger.
Palacios - 7 -
Had a good game, and was quite aggressive in the tackle, as Samir Nasri may have found out.
Melchiot - 6 -
Was in and out of the game, and played well in patches. Had a brilliant opportunity inside the Arsenal box, but couldn't get past Almunia.
Cattermole - 8 -
He would probably be my man of the match, as he was immense in midfield, winning many tackles, and breaking up play. He was well and truly the "battler" on the pitch.
Valencia 6 -
Again, like Melchiot, showed flashes of brilliance, but Gael Clichy kept him quieter than he would like.
Camara - 5.5 -
Not a very eventful game for the Senegalese striker, and was subbed for Zaki in the second half.
Heskey - 6.5 -
He had to have a good game for Wigan to stand any chance of scoring tonight, and he did what he's best at, leaping high in the air, using his strength, and winning headers. Unfortunately, he missed two chances which could have earned the visitors a point.
Substitutions
Zaki - 6 -
He ran, ran, and ran some more, but most of the times it was aimless. His link up play still needs to improve. Full marks for committment and effort, though.
Kilbane - 6 -
Slotted in seamlessly after Boyce went off injured.
Koumas - N/A -
Apart from one horrible miscued shot, did nothing of notice.
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