We didn’t exactly start off emphatically, but we did enough to eventually cruise past Hull City and into the next round of the FA Cup. Injuries were a real concern though, and this win may have cost us in the long run. Arsene Wenger is going to struggle with his selection this weekend, and hopefully we haven’t suffered too many long-term problems.
Here’s how we rated the players from our 4-0 win over Hull:
GK) David Ospina – 7.5
A couple of great saves in the first half, but not too much to do beyond that. He almost made a hash of things at one point, but we weren’t punished for his failed punch clear.
RB) Calum Chambers – 7.0
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Really solid both at right-back and at centre-back, and arguably looked more comfortable when he was moved centrally. Made a couple of really important defensive headers and interceptions.
LB) Kieran Gibbs – 7.0
Another really good performance from the left-back, who has proven himself an excellent backup for Nacho Monreal. He was also really unlucky not to get his first goal in a long, long time when his long-range curler smashed against the crossbar.
CB) Per Mertesacker – 6.0
Wasn’t on the pitch for too long, as he was forced off mid-way through the first half with a nasty cut over his eye. Hopefully he’s fine for the weekend, as we are struggling for options at the back.
Substitute: Nacho Monreal – 7.0
The Spaniard didn’t always have a huge amount to do, but was called upon a little more when Sone Aluko started to threaten. Nice to see he can still do a job at centre-back.
CB) Gabriel Paulista – 6.0
Really worrying that he went off with what looked to be a calf injury, with Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny already a concern. We could be really short against Watford this weekend.
Substitute: Aaron Ramsey – N/A
Arguably the biggest concern, as the Welshman came on as a substitute and was then forced off with a muscle injury. His absence could be a real blow.
Substitute: Jeff Reine-Adelaide – 6.5
Looked bright during his time on the pitch, and will hopefully get more chances soon.
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