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Arsenal player ratings: Francis Coquelin rock solid as Gunners shut out Chelsea
EXPRESS SPORT brings you Arsenal's player ratings from their 1-0 Community Shield win over Chelsea at Wembley:
Francis Coquelin made it an easy day for former Chelsea keeper Petr Cech
Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
Petr Cech 8
Produced a superb, full-length dive to deny Oscar’s free-kick to illustrate why Jose Mourinho was keen for his former goalkeeper not to go to a Premier League rival.
Hector Bellerin 7
Handed the task of keeping Eden Hazard quiet and responded with a composed display that limited the Belgian’s impact on the game.
Per Mertesacker 7
A well-drilled Arsenal backline ensured the giant German’s lack of pace was never exposed. Clumsy early challenge on Fabregas was risky, though.
Laurent Koscielny 7
Showed great anticipation to snuff out a Falcao chance on the hour then produced a brave challenge to distract Hazard just 60 seconds later. Steady.
Nacho Monreal 7
Repeatedly got forward down the left flank and linked well with Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil to stretch Jose Mourinho’s side.
Francis Coquelin 9
The young French midfielder carried on where he left off last season with a rock-solid display in front the Gunners back four.
Aaron Ramsey 7
Operated in a deeper role alongside Coquelin which limited the midfielder’s attacking threat but he still managed to tee up Olivier Giroud for a good second half chance.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 8
Desperate to show his injury problems of last season are behind him and fired the game into life with a superb finish for the goal.
Mesut Ozil 6
Arsene Wenger has tipped the Germany international for big things this season but will have to make a bigger impact if his manager is to be proved right.
Santi Cazorla 6
Surprisingly shifted out to the left and only offered flashes of the outstanding form he showed in a central role last season.
Theo Walcott 6
Desperate to make an impression as the main striker and showed good composure to set up the goal. Battle with Giroud for the forward role with be intriguing.
Subs:
Olivier Giroud for Walcott 66, 6
Did not help his chances by skying over the bar from just 12 yards out
Mikel Arteta for Oxlade-Chamberlain 77, 6
Involved in a feisty flare-up with Falcao
Kieran Gibbs for Ozil 82
Missed a good late chance to add a second. 6
Arsene Wenger 9
Finally got one over his fierce rival by overseeing the kind of resolute, rock-solid display the Chelsea manager would have been proud of.