Arsenal have earned a semi-final against Bradford or Reading
Arsenal are into the final four of the FA Cup, where they will play either Bradford or Reading for a place in the final, after a Danny Welbeck goal earned Arsene Wenger side a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford.
READ MORE:
Arsenal Transfer News
(Video) Man United 0-1 Arsenal: Monreal Goal Puts Gunners Ahead After Tremendous Skill From The Ox
(Video) Man United 1-2 Arsenal: Welbeck Scores Goal Against Former Club After Shocking Valencia Backpass
Here’s how the Arsenal players got on:
GK- Wojciech Szczesny 6
Made a couple of decent saves, but looked nervous with both his positioning, and dealing with crosses, one in particular had the Pole in trouble, as he flapped at a fairly regulation cross. Luckily, the ball stayed nearby, allowing him to clear up the mess. Had a much more solid performance in the second half
RB- Hector Bellerin 6
Was in trouble early on, as he collected a yellow card for a late challenge on Ashley Young, but he looked lively and made a couple of exciting runs into the box, and defended well. Was taken off in the second half after he avoided a second yellow for a tough challenge.
CB- Per Mertesacker 7
Looked very nervous early on, and could have perhaps done better with the equaliser. Became much more assured in the second half though, and protected Szczesny really well.
CB- Laurent Koscielny 6
Looked the calmer of the centre-backs, and once again organised the back four quite well. However, he failed to track Wayne Rooney’s run to score the leveller.
LB- Nacho Monreal 7
Scored the opening goal with a great run into the United box, but could have perhaps been in a better position for the equaliser, as Di Maria had all the time in the world to whip the ball into the box. Dealt with the pace down the United right wing fairly well.
CM- Francis Coquelin 8
Like much of his Arsenal performances, his influence is highlighted by the freedom his teammates have. He covered the defence superbly well, and marked Marouane Fellaini out of the game.
CM- Santi Cazorla 8
Started the game in a deeper position to allow Ozil, Chamberlain and Sanchez to support Welbeck. He worked really well with Coquelin, to protect the defence. Was able to move further up after Aaron Ramsey replaced Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and dictated the play like he has for the past few weeks.
RAM- Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 7
Had an exciting first half, which included the assist for Monreal’s goal, where he weaved through the United defence. He made Luke Shaw look very slow, leading to Shaw being replaced at half-time. Injured his hamstring early in the second half, and blew a good chance in the first half when he neither crossed nor shot when down the right hand side.
CAM- Mesut Ozil 6
Had a very quiet game, but does not deserve any criticism. He worked hard for the team, winning a few important challenges, and filled in on the right when Chamberlain was replaced.
LAM- Alexis Sanchez 6
Like Ozil, he was very quiet in the game, but his movement from the right allowed Monreal to be unmarked for the opening goal, and he generally worked hard for the team once they were ahead.
ST- Danny Welbeck 7
Largely struggled to get involved in the first half, but his work rate was exemplified by his desire to get to the poor back pass from Antonio Valencia before David De Gea. The winning goal justified his selection ahead of Olivier Giroud.
Subs:
Aaron Ramsey 5
Despite playing most of the second half, Ramsey was not really involved in the game.
Calum Chambers 6
Was brought on so Bellerin would not pick up another yellow, and did what he needed to do with little fuss, at a critical point in the game.
Olivier Giroud 5
Arguably brought on to hold the ball up front, and take any pressure away from the Arsenal defence. But didn’t really get involved in the game.