Arsenal is now in the round of 16 of the Champions League. Following are the Arsenal player ratings.
ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS
The Gunners have guaranteed themselves a top-eight in the Champions League. They have defeated Dinamo Zagreb with a comfortable 3-0 on Wednesday.
A last-point snatch against Girona will be enough to secure them. Rice’s clinical finish after two minutes opened the chances for Mikel Arteta.
Ratings of Arsenal players are as follows:
- David Raya(6/10): Not much to expect from him. An audience for most of the game.
- Jurrien Timber(6/10): He was tired at times. Also booked for a surprising amount of time he’s played.
- Jakub Kiwior(6.5/10): Comfortable enough in the right back. Almost caught out once in the first half. But, he was solid enough.
- Gabriel Magalhaes(6.5/10): Did not make any mistakes at the back. But, missed a golden chance to make it 2-0.
- Oleksandr Zinchenko(7/10): Good showing on just his fourth start of the season. Saw plenty of the ball and used it well. Produced some lovely touches as well.
- Jorginho(7/10): Played some lovely balls over the top. Used the midfield minutely.
- Declan Rice(7.5/10): Scored his first-ever Champions League goal. Excellent set-piece delivery as always.
- Martin Odegaard(6.5/10): Drifted in and out of the game. So, not able to ball enough. Fortunately, scored late after a nice run.
- Raheem Sterling(3/10): Another disappointment for Arsenal. Another tough night for the Chelsea loanee.
- Kai Havertz(7/10): Redeemed gameplay. Good link-up play as the central striker, including his assist.
- Gabriel Martinelli(8/10): Arsenal’s biggest threat. Great early run to help set up the goal for Rice, and was always lively as he knew he had the beating of his full-back. Great ball in for Havertz to make it 2-0.
Mikel Arteta is using the players correctly. The win moves the Gunners up to third in the table behind Barcelona.
ARSENAL BACK IN FORM?
A few inclusions changed things for the team, and the Gunners finally had options on the bench that could be utilized.
Zinchenko is getting a head start with his fellow teammates Jorginho and Kiwior, the Gunners bench looked as strong as it has in a long time.
Trossard, Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney, Mikel Merino, Ethan Nwaneri, and Riccardo Calafiori were among the substitutes against Zagreb, with four of them making an appearance, and if things continue, the Gunners might have finally gotten over their injury troubles.
Arsenal needed this breakthrough. Havertz has netted his 14th goal of the season. Despite the injuries, Arsenal’s progression in Europe has been smooth. The victory means they will avoid the grueling February play-offs, barring an improbable goal difference swing.
AUTHOR’S OPINION
This win was necessary for the Gunners. Though they are battling an injury crisis, they are winning. Arteta is confident in this squad.
There were more chances, but they made it worth it. Dinamo after having a frustrating night might face problems.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have been blessed with the stars. Europe is clearly in control of the North London club, especially the group stage part.
The win was necessary as the Premier League title race became intense. The Champions League is also getting intense, with Barcelona and Liverpool at the front.
Please let me know your thoughts on Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb.
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