[Player ratings] Arsenal 2-0 Middlesbrough: Gunners show gulf in quality between two sides

Arsenal v Middlesbrough
FA Cup
Emirates Stadium
Kick off: Sunday 15th February, 2015 – 16:00 PM BST

Arsenal produced a stunning and serious performance against Middlesbrough to show the gulf in class between the two sides.

We were warned going into the game by Boro’s victory and performance against Man City and they were treated with caution but nonetheless dismantled with a sumptuous display.

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Here are the player ratings for our 2-0 FA Cup win over Boro.

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GK) Wojciech Szczesny – 6.5

Was hardly tested and kept his focus, but didn’t look like he was getting to Boro’s only chance of the game when Kike hit the post.

RB) Calum Chambers – 7

Can’t help but feel that the Englishmen is perfect for a central defensive role but performed admirably at right-back. Fluency going forward was evident

CB) Gabriel – 7.5

The debutant was solid and given that much of the reports were that he wasn’t good in possession, the Brazilian looked like a carbon copy of his partner today – real hope for the future.

CB) Laurent Koscielny – 7.5

Was the leader of the defence today due to the absence of Mertesacker and continued to keep the pressure on Middlesbrough by defending on the front foot.

LB) Kieran Gibbs – 8

An assist and a performance which showcased all his attacking talent as he took Patrick Banford the other way on a constant basis.

DM) Mathieu Flamini – 7

Flamini was serious in his play and set the tone for our attacks by winning the ball back and playing it into our more attacking talents.

CM) Santi Cazorla – 8.5

The orchestra of everything good about the side and the Boro side couldn’t get anywhere near the magical Spaniard – was just missing a goal.

CAM) Mesut Ozil – 9

Another marvelous display from our record signing in his preferred no.10 role as he was illusive and the link between the midfield and the attack.

LAM) Alexis Sanchez – 7.5

Back to his regular efficient self as he ended teh game with a smart assist and very unlucky not be on the scoresheet after being denied by a wonderful save from a header.

RAM) Danny Welbeck – 6.5

Provided balance but lacked the sharpness to click with the fluid attack – after a month out he is still finding his feet.

CF) Olivier Giroud – 9

The match-winner, in the right place for the first goal and a wonderful technically perfect for the second – disappointed not to get his hat-trick.