Arsenal v Sheffield United - Player Ratings

Last updated : 24 September 2008 By Luis Anaconda

Lukasz Fabianski - tfc - Was needed only for the toss. Probably the only bored man in the stadium.

Gavin Hoyte - 7 - Like a taller version of his brother, did little wrong but never tested.

Kieran Gibbs - 8 - A real threat coming forward and showed an appetite and an aptitude for tackling when pressed.

Alexandre Song/Johan Djourou - 7/7 - Is this the ideal pairing for an Arsene Wenger team playing in the Premier League? Tall, powerful, quick, comfortable - not to say classy - on the ball - I would say in the long run, yes. They even complement each other more than our current duo, with Song more than keen to attack the ball and Djourou happier to sit back.

Jack Wilshere - 9 - Fearless and frighteningly talented - a classic case of if you're good enough you're old enough.

Mark Randall - 8 - Outstanding in a the holding role - not necessarily going to catch the eye in a performance such as this, but vital nonetheless.

Aaron Ramsey - 8 - When Wilshere chose to shoot, ignoring Ramsey's run, the Welshman had a right go. I was thinking, "Hang on, don't have a go - he's only 16." It took a few seconds to register that Ramsey is only 17, himself. Looks and plays far ahead of his years.

Fran Merida - 7 - More similar to a Nasri than a Fabregas, who is often compared to. Blossomed after a quiet start.

Nicklas Bendtner - 9 - Added to all his good work from Bolton with another fine performance.

Carlos Vela - 9.5 - Struggled to get the ball in the first half hour, more than made up for it after that. The pick of a very good bunch - just.

Substitutes:

Henri Lansbury, Francis Coquelin, Jay Simpson - Hard to judge.