Arsenal player ratings: Was Petr Cech the villain as Gunners lose ground?

Arsenal lost 2-1 at the Emirates to Swansea City

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Petr Cech: 4 out of 10

What a night to have his first disastrous display since August. He could have done better for the first but flapped crucially at the second, pushing it into Ashley Williams’ path.

Hector Bellerin: 5

For the number of opportunities he had to deliver crosses into the area Bellerin should have done far better. Couple that with plenty of culpability for Swansea’s opener and this was a disappointing day.

Per Mertesacker: 5

Flat-footed when Routledge burst through to equalise for Swansea, and that was typical of a substandard display only redeemed by how awful his colleague was.

Gabriel Paulista: 4

Inspired nerves throughout, failing to make a convincing case that he has recovered from his disastrous display against Man Utd. Was exceptionally lucky that Sigurdsson missed from a tight angle in the second half.

Nacho Monreal: 6

Rarely put a foot wrong throughout and kept the dangerous Andre Ayew out of the contest for much of the game. Led by example on a night when few other Arsenal players did.

Francis Coquelin: 7

Exactly the sort of powerful display Arsenal needed as Swansea looked to play on the counter, he hurled himself into tackles with abandon and invariably came out the other end with the ball.

Aaron Ramsey: 5

Once again Ramsey proved himself to be a defensive liability, failing to pressurise Jack Cork for Swansea’s equaliser. There were several lovely passes going forward but he does not convince at the other end.

Joel Campbell: 8

Why did Wenger drop him? Campbell was playing well before and was even better on his return, taking his goal fantastically and springing up across the frontline to deadly effect.

Mesut Ozil: 5

His delivery from setpieces was impressive but in open play Ozil struggled to offer much that would break down Swansea’s steadfast defence. One of several crucial players to go missing when it mattered most.

Alexis Sanchez: 4

An almost heartbreaking sight as one of the league’s most talented footballers struggled to rediscover his best game. His passing was abysmal, his eye for goal utterly shot.

Olivier Giroud: 5

Impressive until it mattered most, when he was in a position to score. Volleying against the crossbar from eight yards out was far from acceptable.