Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion - Player Ratings

Last updated : 18 August 2008 By Luis Anaconda

Manuel Almunia - 7 - A couple of excellent saves and looks assured in his new No 1 shirt.

Bacary Sagna - 6 - Below his excellent standards of last season but clearly finding his way back to form after injury.

William Gallas - 7 - Solid at the back from our skipper - just what we needed.

Johann Djourou - 7 - A few nervy moments but a mostly competent performance with a vital goalline clearance.

Gael Clichy - 7 - Back in the groove straightaway and linked up well with his new French colleague.

Theo Walcott - 5 - Poor old Theo - not much went right for him all afternoon, but kept trying.

Emmanuel Eboue - 7 - Fine performance in front of defence - less assured when wasting good chances in front of WBA's goal.

Denilson - 8 - MotM for me - much happier as the more advanced of two central midfielders and showed invention and poise to set up the winning goal.

Samir Nasri - 8 - Encouraging debut, with great movement that showed exactly why Arsene was so keen to sign him.

Emmanuel Adebayor - 6 - Despite what people want to believe, he was trying his best, but will have to do a lot more to win over a small section of what are laughably called supporters.

Nicklas Bendtner - 6 - Some bright movement but hardly the ideal foil for Ade

Subs:

Kolo Toure - 6 - An unusual presence on the right wing.

Robin van Persie - 7 - Sprightly showing from the injury-prone genius.