The Player Ratings: Stoke City’s admirable defeat at Arsenal
By Jack Dudley
It wasn’t a doom and gloom performance from the Potters by any means. In a game where Stoke City held their own for much of the 90 minutes, we look at how the red and white performed.
Goalkeeper
Lee Grant: 7.5
It was always going to be a busy one for the Stoke City stopper. While there wasn’t an awful lot he could have done about the goals, Grant did the basics right and made a couple of smart stops to limit the scoreline.
Defenders
Glen Johnson: 7
A trying game for the whole back-four. Johnson was up against it from the beginning, handling Oxlde-Chamberlain well enough.
Bruno Martins Indi: 7.5
Slowly becoming a very solid option at the back for Mark Hughes. Leadership qualities are always improving, especially the longer Ryan Shawcross is absent.
Marc Muniesa: 8
Continuing to deputise in Shawcross’ absence, Muniesa will be starting to give Hughes a selection headache. Looked relatively comfortable despite facing a very strong attack.
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Erik Pieters: 7
Similarly to Johnson, Pieters gave Arsenal’s wide players something to think about. Solid in his position and tackled well throughout.
Midfielders
Biram Diouf: 7.5
Despite a quiet game, Diouf played his part. Playing slightly deeper than normal, Diouf’s work rate was second-to-none. Earned his coin on Saturday.
Charlie Adam: 7.5
Was in charge of shielding the back-four from a potent Arsenal front line. Did a good job in getting stuck in and dispatched penalty well.
Gianelli Imbula: 7
Would be harsh for Hughes to judge Imbula’s renewed claim to a midfield spot on a visit to the Gunners. Held his own in the middle of the park, more defensive work required though when in the holding role.
Joe Allen: 7.5
Limited, as expected, to his creative freedom potential. Did well when going forward and wasn’t shy to track back. Did well to get up and carry on after taking an elbow from Granit Xhaka.
Xherdan Shaqiri: 7
Much like Allen, the Swiss’ attacking potential was less than normal. Tracked runners back into defensive positions when required.
Forward
Marko Arnautovic: 6.5
Played well in a rather unaccustomed target-man role. Wasteful with chances of his own and more often than not found himself isolated. Largely ineffective.
Next: Stoke City halted at Emirates, downed 3-1
You can read the report from the game at the Emirates above.