Arsenal came from behind at the Emirates Stadium to beat Stoke City and move top of the Premier League at the full-time whistle. Here is how we rated the Gunners players in the 3-1 victory.
Petr Cech: 7
Stretched early on by Marc Muniesa’s long-range effort and made a good second-half save to keep out an effort from Peter Crouch.
Gabriel: 7
Started in his fill-in position at right-back, but switched across to centre-half when the fit-again Hector Bellerin replaced Shkodran Mustafi after 24 minutes. He performed much better in his natural position, and may get a chance to bed in alongside Laurent Koscielny.
Shkodran Mustafa: 6
Was just settling into the game before tweaking his hamstring. Faces a three-week spell on the sidelines, according to boss Arsene Wenger.
Laurent Koscielny: 7
Was kept busy in the opening stages as Stoke started on the front foot and he made some important clearances. Did well against a tricky and unpredictable Stoke attack.
Nacho Monreal: 7
A quietly effective performance from the Spaniard, who read the game well. Knows he needs to keep up his level of performance with Kieran Gibbs after his place.
Francis Coquelin: 8
Worked hard, broke up play and won the ball in the tackle – most importantly, when he got it, he used it efficiently and intelligently too.
Granit Xhaka: 7
His partnership with Coquelin helped Arsenal regain control of the midfield and allowed the front four to focus on getting at the Stoke defence. However, his elbow on Joe Allen, which led to Stoke’s penalty, put his side on the back foot for a period.
Theo Walcott: 8
Cancelled out Xhaka’s foul by equalising just before half-time, his 100th goal in club football and arguably the turning point of the match. He was a menace at times to the Stoke defence, having twice as many shot as any of his team-mates, and only Stoke keeper Lee Grant stopped him from getting a second goal.
Mesut Ozil: 8
His beautifully headed goal, which put Arsenal 2-1 up, was symptomatic of the confidence he has at the moment. Another fine performance and with him dictating the play in the final third, Arsenal look capable of outscoring any opposition of late.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 8
Set up Ozil’s header with a lofted pass as he continued from where he left off against West Ham last weekend. Replaced midway through the second half by Alex Iwobi.
Alexis Sanchez: 8
No goals for Sanchez but he gave his all for the team and was a constant threat with his link-up play. Particularly bright immediately after the Stoke goal.
Hector Bellerin: 8
A welcome return for the full-back, whose pace tormented Stoke’s defence once he came on to replace the stricken Mustafi. Set up Walcott’s equaliser and generally performed very well.
Alex Iwobi: 7
Played a quarter of the match and essentially killed off the Stoke challenge by making it 3-1 with 15 minutes to play.
