Mannone (5): had a couple of decent saves, but just doesn't seem like our answer as a #1. Not sure he could have done much on either goal, particularly the first, but I would like to seem him get a little more aggressive and come out to challenge shooters.
Mertesacker (6.5): had a good game until he played a role in the first goal by not getting over to challenge Huntselaar on the first goal. But was great in the first half with at least three clearances with the pressure on.
Vermaelen (6): just doesn't seem to be the same player at the moment, but will hopefully come good for us soon.
Santos (4): awful game for Gibbs understudy and one hopes rumours of him leaving in the winter are true. Had a nice stretch of games last season, but is awful on defense and Schalke was consistently free and dangerous on the right side. He contributed to both goals with his poor performance.
Jenkinson (6): a decent game from the left back, but nothing spectacular. Didn't really get down the right side like he does sometimes but was strong on defense, though the attack usually came from the other side. Odd that he was subbed out for Gnarby, as Ramsey was having a really average game.
Arteta (7): played a good game, as usual, but didn't seem to create as much going forward as he usually does (though it was others who had errant passes most of the game).
Podolski (5): besides a decent cross early, he seemed to disappear for long stretches and just wasn't getting forward enough in the attack. This is the tag on him and we have seen this for at least two straight games.
Ramsey (5): a very average game for the young Scot, who doesn't seem to learn from his mistakes. He rarely goes for the easy pass or shot and his infuriating back heels (including in front of goal) and errant passes undermined the attack on too many occasions. He needs to learn from Cazorla to take a more direct approach at times and stop dancing around when two others are in the box.
Coquelin (6): played a decent game, but also gave up the ball at times (70% pass completion is not terrible, but could be better). Didn't get the ball in dangerous positions enough and together with Ramsey failed to get the ball to Cazorla enough.
Cazorla (7): not his best game, but didn't really have the openings. He did create a few half-chances but was largely absent from too much of the game, giving the ball up more often than usual.
Gervinho (5): seems to be a much better player on the right wing than as central striker. Is too short and not strong enough to bring the ball down effectively and too often loses the ball when opportunities arise. He's had a nice start to the season, but seems to perform better as a winger, reminding us that we really need to get a quality striker in January, even if Giroud does start coming good.
Subs
Giroud: came on late and didn't get many touches. Have to get him involved earlier and with better crosses (Gibbs is sorely missed on that score at the moment and Sagna could improve this when he gets back).
Gnarby: this kid has real talent and will be an important part of this team in the future. Not sure if he should be the sub in an important Champions League match at this point though.
Arshavin: barely had a touch, though he did complete his passes.
Arsenal is in trouble at the moment. They have gone two games without scoring and their defense is looking unstable yet again. Hopefully we can regain our form against QPR, who are hungry for points themselves. The squad will clearly improve once Wilshire, Diaby, Gibbs, Chamberlain and Sagna are back in the fold, but we need to find a focal point for the attack when our passing game is not doing its job. Rumours are that Walcott is on his way out the door in January and while I would have welcomed that given his performance the past year plus, but do worry at the moment that he is the best finisher on the squad. Let's hope we show up in good form this Saturday ...
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