Arsenal 2 Stoke 0 player ratings: Theo Walcott wasteful despite scoring as Jack Butland frustrates Gunners with star performance

Man-for-man marking from Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Stoke at the Emirates

(Getty Images)

Arsenal recorded back-to-back victories for the first time this season after goals from under-pressure strikers Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud helped them to a 2-0 win over Stoke at the Emirates.

Walcott was guilty of heading over the bar early on with the goal at his mercy, but he made no mistake midway through the first half when he found the back of the net to break the deadlock.

But Arsenal failed to build on their lead before the break, and Walcott was guilty of missing further chances in front of goal, much to the ire of the home crowd. The introduction of Giroud initially didn’t help, as the Frenchman capitalised on poor passing among the Stoke defence to work himself a one-on-one opportunity, only to put the ball wide of the goal.

Eventually though, Giroud delivered to end Stoke’s hopes of taking anything from the game as he scored in the 85th minute to give the Gunners their first home win of the season.

So how did the players perform? Click on the gallery below to find out.

Do you agree with our ratings? Leave your thoughts in the comment box below.