The Goonerater - Wigan v Arsenal

Wojciech Szczesny – 6.0 – Besides an early parried save, of which Jordi Gomez couldn’t take advantage early on, the Polish international had a very comfortable outing. Szczesny conceded quite a few goals in the first two months of the season despite being in good form and today he managed to keep his first away clean sheet in the Premier League since August.

Laurent Koscielny – 6.5 – Had to be alert in the early stages to deal with the threat of Victor Moses, but Koscielny was largely untroubled as Wigan enjoyed very little joy in Arsenal’s half.

Thomas Vermaelen – 7.5 – Another top class display from the Belgain although he had very little to worry about defensively. He started the move that led to Arteta’s opener and then headed the second from Van Persie's corner to score his third goal of the season.

Per Mertesacker – 6.5 – The big German center back looks a much better player with Vermaelen alongside and such was the case today as well but in truth he won’t probably get a much easier game as Wigan offered very little in the final third.

Andre Santos – 6.5 – The Brazilian overlapped with ease in the first half and didn’t really have to support much going forward in the second period as Arsenal’s front three were easily getting at Wigan’s back four. Defensively too, Santos was solid as he didn’t make any mistakes against the energetic  Ronnie Stam.

Alexandre Song – 6.5 –A comfortable outing for the Cameroon international as no Wigan midfielder threatened to cause problems to the Arsenal backline. He still protected his fullbacks well during any rare Wigan counter attack and was slightly unfortunate to earn a yellow card.

Mikel Arteta – 7.5 – **WTTGT Man of the Match** - The Spaniard had to work less hard than he has been in recent weeks as Arsenal enjoyed near total domination. Took his goal very well to break the deadlock and was very tidy on possession unlike recent matches.

Aaron Ramsey – 7.0 – Had an emotional start to the match as prior to kick-off there was an appreciation for the late Gary Speed. The Welshman was very energetic throughout as he tried to support RVP in attack and was unfortunate not to earn a penalty early in the second half.

Theo Walcott – 7.0 – Was quiet in the first half, but the England international was lively in the second period and very unselfish in setting up the fourth goal, which was clinically finished by Van Persie.

Robin Van Persie – 8.5 – The Dutchman only scored once but his presence gave Arsenal the cutting edge that was seen missing in midweek against Man City. RVP could and should have scored a few more and he also played a part in two other goals to round off another world class display.

Gervinho – 7.5 – Will be delighted to finally get on the scoresheet after being wasteful in front of goal in recent outings. Gervinho took his goal very well to make it 3-0 and was full of running until being replaced by Arshavin in the 80th minute.

Subs

Francis Coquelin – 5.5 – Showed a couple of neat touches with the ball but needlessly earned a booking for a foul from behind.

Yossi Benayoun – 6.0 – Looked sharp after coming on and could have easily scored had he been a little more decisive after getting behind the Wigan defence in the closing stages.

Andrey Arshavin – N/A – Couldn’t really get into the game after coming on and thus doesn’t get a rating.

WTTGT Writer: Amoy Ghoshel