Player Analysis and Ratings Vs West Ham

By 1970’s Gooner

It looked like Wenger’s starting team selection was going to back fire on him until class and experience was introduced in the second half. Nasri and especially Diaby put some steel, ball winning and skill in the midfield and everything turned round.

Three Arsenal players were underperforming and when Wilshere and Merida were substituted the whole balance of the team was suddenly re jigged into almost perfection.

The other player who I cannot for the life of me understand why Wenger insists on playing him is Silvestre. I have said it here before and I say it again. The man is a liability at centre back and at left back.

He is so slow it’s unbelievable. Admittedly it was Gallas who was a little bit slow coming out of defence that played Diamanti, the West Ham scorer, on but Silvestre should have been looking at the line across the defence before he stupidly stepped up to try and play for offside.

Fabiansky

Looked strong and assured throughout but I have to fault him a little bit for the goal. He could have pushed the ball sideways when he got a touch but it went through his hand instead. 6

Sagna

I was surprised to see Sagna start the game. Eboue is away at the ACN and an injury to Sagna (or even fatigue) will leave us exposed in the right back position.

Nevertheless he did well getting forward quite a lot with better success with his crosses this time. 7

Silvestre

See above. 5

Gallas

Carried on with his very good performances this season. 7

Vermaelen

Same as Gallas. 7

Merida

I was disappointed with Fran tonight. He has played a lot better. His tackling, passing, corner taking and overall play left a lot to be desired. 4

Song

He was almost singlehandedly bossing the midfield. Winning the ball and also distributing it. He will be difficult to replace now he is off to the ACN. 8

Ramsey

Had a much better second half than first. In the first his passing and winning of the ball was lacking but improved in the second when Arsenal became more direct. He got into more forward positions culminating with the all important goal he scored. 7

Wilshere

Was never really in the game much. He played on the right wing and hardly managed to get past his player. I think his best position is in central midfield. 5

Eduardo

He was disappointing in the first half but improved in the second when Arsenal took the game to West Ham with most of the game being played in their half of the pitch. Eduardo being a box player thrived on this.

He also benefitted from Vela’s switch to the left wing which provided him with a better service culminating to his magnificently taken goal.

Let’s hope that Eduardo’s confidence takes a major boost from this game. 8

Vela

He looks to me a left winger than a centre forward and he proved it again tonight. He was so much more dangerous on the wing taking his opponents on and putting in some wicked crosses. He had a good game tonight. 7

Nasri

Brought some needed nous and trickery into the midfield that was so clearly lacking. 7

Diaby

Turned the game upside down with his entrance. His tackling, directness with the ball when going forward and strength was exactly what was missing and he didn’t let us down.

What a player he is turning out to be. He will be crucial to how Arsenal’s season evolves now that Song will be absent. 9

Man of the Match: Diaby