Arsenal nearly pounced in the second minute with the crossbar denying Jack Wilshere another early goal. Arsenal dominated the first half and were duly rewarded when Ozil picked out a wide open Ramsey with a lovely cross and he headed home.
Arsenal emerged in the second half determined to put the game to bed, but after Giroud had a shot cleared from the line, Cardiff suddenly woke up and Arsenal became content to soak up the pressure and to look for the counter.
Cardiff almost scored, but Szczesny made a great save off Campbell. However, other than that one chance, they never really troubled Arsenal.
The Gunners did finally put the game to bed when Ozil fed the ball to a charging Flamini and he slammed the ball home for his first of the year. Arsenal added a third, Ramsey thumping the ball into the roof of the goal after a nice Walcott setup.
Arsenal now can sit back and watch Sunday’s games and hope their rivals slip up. Arsenal can leave knowing that they won in a place both Manchesters slipped up.
Player Ratings:
Szczesny 8. A super diving save denied Campbell and ensured the victory. He had a number of other more routine saves to make as well as cut out crosses from set pieces. Was also alert coming off his line to deny Mutch.
Sagna 7. Another routinely good game for Sagna. We take these performances for granted.
Mertesacker 8. A good game for Per, although he was banged in the mouth by Sagna’s head in the first half. Marshaled the defence for another shutout.
Koscielny 9. Laurent’s speed is so critical and he cleans up the mess that others create. I was impressed by how he performed today.
Gibbs 7. He had another solid game. Supported the attack and provided a threat on the flank.
Arteta 7. He had one or two shaky moments early on, but he was solid throughout, breaking up attacks and supporting the offense. He needs to be careful about giving away freekicks.
Ramsey 9. Man of the match. Two goals on his return home. Another industrious performance. One cannot believe he already has 13 goals this season!
Wilshere 8. Unlucky not to score early on. He had another fine game, full of good passing, pressing defence, and good dribbles forward.
Cazorla 7. Santi was better than he has been playing lately and is hopefully rounding back into form. Scuffed a shot in the second half.
Ozil 8. Two great assists today and a good performance, his best since the international break.
Giroud 7. Was guilty of stopping playing when he thought he was offside in the first half. Unlucky not to score early in the second when his shot was cleared off the line. He works hard and has a good game, even when some of his decisions were questionable.
Substitutes:
Flamini 7. Helped to shore up the defence and instinctive movement got him his first goal of the season.
Monreal 6. Also brought in for defence, he helped to see out the game.
Walcott 7. A nice assist on Ramsey’s second goal when he could have been selfish.