Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb player ratings: Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez of form in routine Champions League victory

How did we rate Arsenal's player during the must-win Champions League clash?

Tuesday 24 November 2015 22:44 GMT

Mesut Ozil celebrates his opening goal (Getty Images)

On a night where it was imperative that they picked up all three points, Arsenal did so against Dinamo Zagreb and did so with some comfort.

Although it took a little time to get into the gear, Arsene Wenger's side were given all the encouragement they needed when news of Bavarian goals began to come through during the game's opening stages.

The Gunners' Champions League status was reliant on Bayern Munich putting Olympiakos to the sword but, after the Bundesliga champions had established a three-goal lead in the opening 20 minutes, Arsenal's fate was back in their own hands.

One of the side's German internationals duly seize the opportunity. Mesut Ozil took a break from creating goals by heading one home himself just before the half hour mark.

Nerves at the Emirates seemed to lift and it was not long until Alexis Sanchez had doubled the lead. He grabbed his second of the night and put the contest to bed after the break, his power and energy on the break proving too much for the limited Dinamo.

A special mention should go to Joel Campbell, who justified his surprise selection with a lively performance.

Arsenal are now guaranteed to be playing in European competition come February, whether that is on Thursday nights or not. To stay in the continent's premier competition, they must emerge victorious by two clear goals against Olympiakos in a fortnight's time.

What did we make of each Arsenal player's performance? Click through the gallery to find out...

Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb player ratings

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1/12Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb player ratings

Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb player ratings

Petr Cech - 6 out of 10

Cech could thank his defence for a quiet night as, though Dinamo looked to get forward on the counter, they rarely managed to craft a shot to test the Arsenal keeper. Made one fantastic save at 3-0 to prevent a Mathieu Flamini own-goal, diving down low to save his team-mates blushes.

Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb player ratings

Hector Bellerin - 6 out of 10

By his own exceptional standards this was an unimpressive display from the Spanish full-back, who gave the ball away as much in the opening minutes as he has in most games this season. He bombed forward as ever but the penetrating crosses weren’t quite there.

2015 The Arsenal Football Club Plc

Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb player ratings

Per Mertesacker - 7 out of 10

Mertesacker was a reassuring presence throughout for Arsenal, barking instructions at his colleagues and ensuring he controlled play from deep.

2015 Getty Images

Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb player ratings

Laurent Koscielny - 6 out of 10

Had the freedom to step forward in possession, but did not always use that effectively. Koscielny gave the ball away far too often as he looked to push Arsenal forward, but was back to his reliable best in defence as Dinamo looked to get behind Monreal.

2015 The Arsenal Football Club Plc

Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb player ratings

Nacho Monreal - 7 out of 10

One of the busiest players on the field, as the dangerous Junior Fernandes looked to find space in behind the Arsenal backline. That Monreal dealt with him impressively whilst still bombing forward to create chances spoke of a very pleasing display from the left-back.

2014 Getty Images

Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb player ratings

Mathieu Flamini - 5 out of 10

For much of the game Flamini’s brand of kamikaze defensive play was not required as the forwards did what was needed to secure a win. But in the early stages he too often looked a liability, chasing every single ball rather than maintaining his discipline. Against tougher opponents he would have been found wanting.

2014 The Arsenal Football Club Plc

Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb player ratings

Santi Cazorla - 7 out of 10

Did much of his best work for Arsenal on the edge of his own area, finding Ozil and Sanchez in space whenever the opposition committed too many men forward. After a series of indifferent displays either side of the international break tonight saw Cazorla makes strides towards rediscovering his best form.

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Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb player ratings

Joel Campbell - 8 out of 10

One of the few not to shrink under the pressure of the opening 20 minutes, as Campbell brought plenty of flicks and tricks to find a way past a deep-sitting Dinamo, providing a fantastic assist for Sanchez to make it 3-0. With Aaron Ramsey on the bench he needed to make a good impression – and he did. He may just have played himself into contention for the do or die match against his former side.

2015 Getty Images

Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb player ratings

Mesut Ozil - 8 out of 10

One of the few not to shrink under the pressure of the opening 20 minutes, as Campbell brought plenty of flicks and tricks to find a way past a deep-sitting Dinamo, providing a fantastic assist for Sanchez to make it 3-0. With Aaron Ramsey on the bench he needed to make a good impression – and he did. He may just have played himself into contention for the do or die match against his former side.

2015 The Arsenal Football Club Plc

Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb player ratings

Alexis Sanchez - 8 out of 10

Prior to the opening goal this was not Sanchez at his best, with the forward seeming curiously hesitant in front of goal. But when he got going his display was truly exquisite, particularly the cross from which Ozil headed in the opener. Two goals capped an excellent display.

Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb player ratings

Oliver Giroud - 5 out of 10

The French forward struggled to find a place in the game as Dinamo dealt smartly with his physical presence. He won plenty of headers but was marked tightly when it mattered and was forced to drop ever deeper in an attempt to influence the game.

Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb player ratings

Aaron Ramsey - 6 out of 10

Wenger will be delighted to have seen the midfielder full of drive and energy after six weeks out, though the game was long since over by the time of his introduction.

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