Three goals inside the opening 20 minutes paved the way for Arsenal to claim a 3-0 win over Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium.

Alexis Sanchez scored either side of Mesut Ozil's strike to help the Gunners leapfrog their opponents into second place in the Premier League table.

United improved following the restart but were unable to find a way through as they missed out on the chance to regain top spot.

Below, Sports Mole has rated each player out of 10 for their individual performances in today's memorable match.

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Goal

Petr Cech: Had one key save to make on his return to the first team when denying Martial in the dying stages of the first half, with that stop preventing United from building up any sort of momentum. (7/10)

Defence

Hector Bellerin: A fine display from the full-back, who found the perfect blend between attack and defence. Gave Depay so little joy down the flank that the Dutchman was hauled off at the break. (7/10)

Per Mertesacker: No Laurent Koscielny this afternoon but it mattered little thanks to the powerful German's commanding display in the heart of the back four. (8/10)

Gabriel Paulista: Not only did he keep his cool, in stark contrast to what we witnessed against Chelsea recently, but the Brazilian also maintained his record of not conceding a goal while on the field so far this season. (7/10)

Nacho Monreal: The unsung hero in this Arsenal side, who produced another no-nonsense display to not only restrict United's attacks but also help link play in attack. (7/10)

Midfield

Alexis Sanchez: Some claimed that the Chilean was suffering from second-season syndrome in North London following a somewhat slow start to the term, but five goals in a week certainly suggests otherwise. (9/10)

Santi Cazorla: His ability to dictate the tempo of the play from deep proved key, with his tactical nous also proving too much for his opposite numbers to deal with in a one-sided midfield battle. (8/10)

Francis Coquelin: The imperious Frenchman was his usual self in the centre of the field, breaking up attacks and giving the Red Devils' midfield runners little room for manoeuvre. (7/10)

Mesut Ozil: One of the finest players around when on top of his game - as he was today. A goal and an assist early on was Ozil at his best, which will strike fear into opposition defences. (9/10)

Aaron Ramsey: Played a key part in the opening two goals and, while he really should have buried his big opening in the first half, this was a dominant display from the Welshman from his wide starting position. (8/10)

Attack

Theo Walcott: Finally being given regular playing time up top, but he could not build on a record of 12 goals from his previous 13 starts. The England international still played his part in the rout, though, thanks to two early assists. (8/10)

Substitutes

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: Given 15 minutes at the end to help keep play ticking over for the Gunners in an attacking sense. Grazed the bar in the game's final move. (7/10)

Olivier Giroud: Took over from Walcott for the final quarter of the match and probably should have added his name to the scoresheet when picked out late on. (6/10)

Kieran Gibbs: A brief run-out for the full-back, who provided some fresh legs in place of the tiring Sanchez. (6/10)

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Goal

David de Gea: Will be hugely disappointed by the manner in which he conceded the first goal, but he could do little to keep out the other two well-taken finishes. (5/10)

Defence

Matteo Darmian: A terrible performance from the full-back, who was torn ragged by Sanchez before being withdrawn at the halfway point. (3/10)

Chris Smalling: He may have been one of United's players of the season so far, yet he was caught completely by surprise in the first half as Arsenal ran wild in attack. (5/10)

Daley Blind: The visitors settled somewhat in the second half, but supporters will be left hugely worried by the showing of their centre-back pairing in this one. (4/10)

Ashley Young: Thrown in as a makeshift left-back as one of two changes from last time out, and he was left hugely exposed down his side. Did manage to improve following the restart, though. (6/10)

Midfield

Juan Mata: Been in fine form of late, playing a key part in the vast majority of his side's goals, but he was largely anonymous here today and was another of those sacrificed when Louis van Gaal looked to change things around. (5/10)

Michael Carrick: Van Gaal accused the Englishman of lacking aggression after seeing his midfield completely overrun by the home side at the Emirates Stadium. (5/10)

Bastian Schweinsteiger: Ozil, Cazorla and Sanchez had all the space in the world to link play in the attacking third, as Schweinsteiger failed to get anywhere the Gunners' most dangerous players. (4/10)

Memphis Depay: Another of those who will have to stew on this dire display over the international break. In his 45 minutes on the pitch the Dutchman had zero attempts on goal, completed no crosses and did not muster a single chance for any of his teammates. (3/10)

Attack

Wayne Rooney: Having found his scoring touch in the Premier League last time out, this afternoon saw the return of the Rooney we have become more familiar with in recent times. Terrible display. (4/10)

Anthony Martial: Did create one chance with a decent turn inside the box, in fairness, but that aside it is difficult to remember much else of the youngster's performance. (5/10)

Substitutes

Marouane Fellaini: A classic 'Plan B' option for Van Gaal when things are not going his way, but Fellaini did not have the desired impact despite adding something different up top. (5/10)

Antonio Valencia: United definitely improved following the restart, with Valencia providing some fresh legs down the wing. (6/10)

James Wilson: Thrown on for the final stages of what was an evening to forget for the travelling supporters. (5/10)

Written by
Daniel Lewis