Player Ratings: Southampton 0-5 Arsenal

Arsenal cruised to the FA Cup round of 16 as they beat Southampton 5-0 to record their first win at the St. Mary’s Stadium since Robert Pires’ fine effort a long time back.

Both Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott marked their returns from the sidelines with a brace (and an assist) and a hat-trick respectively, though they weren’t the only ones to put in an excellent all-round performance. Here are the player ratings:

David Ospina: 6

David Ospina was hardly tested throughout the game and was virtually invisible with Arsenal controlling the game right from the start till the end. However, as and when he was required, the Colombian looked a bit indecisive.

Hector Bellerin: 6

The Spaniard had a decent game but he wasn’t really on-song. A few misplaced passes and a clear lack of pace and energy showed up, but understandably so considering he has only just returned from an injury.

Shkodran Mustafi: 8

Another player who was never really tested. Shkodran Mustafi had another one of those solid games where he didn’t let any panic get to him whenever the Saints knocked on the door. Still unbeaten and deservedly so.

Rob Holding: 7

Confident and certain whenever required, Rob Holding did himself and his chances no harm.

Kieran Gibbs: 5

The worst Arsenal player on the pitch. Kieran Gibbs didn’t help the side at all and seemed a bit lost throughout the game. But for others’ certainty, he may have had an even worse time.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles: 7

Of all the games he has played in an Arsenal shirt, this was by far the best, even if he went missing for brief periods. Alongside Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, he seemed at home and bossed the game in the middle of the park.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 9

It was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s best 90 minutes in an Arsenal shirt too, so much so that one may even go for him in place for Aaron Ramsey in the next game, and that’s quite something to say.

Jeff-Reine Adelaide: 7

Jeff Reine-Adelaide never fails to excel when he gets the chance, does he? The 19-year old was phenomenal against Southampton in all descriptions. A complete performance.

Theo Walcott: 8

You don’t need to say a lot – or say anything at all – when a player has got a hat-trick. Theo Walcott took his tally to 99 Arsenal goals by putting three past the Saints to make it his second most prolific season for the North-Londoners.

Lucas Perez: 9

Arguably the best player on the pitch even though he only had an assist to his name, Lucas Perez showed what a class act he is, yet again. Needs to play more often.

Danny Welbeck: 9

Two goals and an assist to mark his return from an injury – sounds good, doesn’t it? Welbeck never appeared to be someone who is just back from a long spell on the sidelines and instantly proved his worth to the club.

Alexis Sanchez (substitute): 8

Assisted Theo Walcott twice within ten minutes of being subbed on. Unstoppable.