Arsenal effectively guaranteed themselves a place in the last-16 of the UEFA Champions League with only a significant goal difference swing going against them in their way of progressing. Another dominant performance at the Emirates Stadium that could have delivered more goals but the points will be gratefully taken.
The north Londoners took a very early lead in the game as Gabriel Martinelli found Kai Havertz in the box to set the ball to Declan Rice who smashed home. The German then turned scorer in the second half, latching onto another cross from the Brazilian on the left, heading past Ivan Nevistic. Odegaard finished off the game with a late tap-in.
David Raya – Very little to do during the game. His passing was solid and ball collection on point. 6
Jurrien Timber – Usually so assured, Timber was a little nervy on the ball and lost it in his own half but made up for it soon after preventing a chance being made for the opposition of his own doing. Taking a hit to the head with a ball from nearby, the full-back was replaced early in the second half. 5
Jakub Kiwior – Played at right centre-half despite the talk before the match. He made a near-catastrophic error in the first half turning into trouble and losing possession. 5
Gabriel Magalhaes – Had several chances from corners in the first half to find the net with little defensively to do, he couldn’t quite get the accuracy however he would have liked. 7
Oleksandr Zinchenko – A game that suited the Ukrainian, was able to regularly work his way through the Dinamo midfield and into some offensive positions. Finding some key passes through the lines for the forwards. 7
Jorginho – The Italian is being linked with a move away from the club this month with interest from Brazil. Based on this performance, the Gunners would be minded to keep hold of him until at least the end of the season as he controlled play excellently, finding some nice passes in behind too for the likes of Havertz. 7
Declan Rice – A perfect start to the game for Declan Rice courtesy of an assist from his teammate who he has defended strongly in the wake of plenty of scrutiny. Havertz’s cushioned pass was smashed in on the half-volley by the midfielder. Another dominant midfield display too outside of his goal. Less said about his headed miss the better though. 8
Martin Odegaard – A beautiful pass through to Declan Rice in the first half sadly could not be finished off to give the skipper a goal contribution he sorely needed. He needed a goal and in the end he got it, scoring late on from a cross from Trossard. 7
Raheem Sterling – Lots of a running and very little end product as usual from Raheem Sterling who twice ran the ball out of play from advantageous wide positions. Another disappointing showing from the Chelsea loanee. 5
Gabriel Martinelli – Good run and cross down the left wing in the opening minutes to help set up the first goal. Another good cross would come in the second period as he found Havertz in the box perfectly. 8
Kai Havertz – A great lay-off for the first goal, perfectly controlled and rewarded with the assist. More was to come too as mentioned, finishing off a great move and cross from the left midway through the second half. 8
Substitutions:
Ethan Nwaneri – Got one of the biggest cheers of the night as the youngster entered the field following a period of absence with a hamstring injury. He should have been rewarded with an assist after firing a cross in for Declan Rice who just had to hit the target in free space to score. 7
