In a closely contested match where Arsenal emerged victorious over Wolverhampton Wanderers, every player contributed to the team’s success, with some standing out more than others.
Below is a detailed evaluation of their performances on the pitch:
David Raya:
David Raya played a pivotal role in maintaining Arsenal’s lead, making a crucial save against Strand Larsen when the score was still 1-0.
Although he wasn’t called upon frequently, his concentration and alertness were impeccable throughout the match.
This consistent focus ensured Arsenal’s defense remained sturdy, earning him a commendable rating of 8.
Ben White:
Ben White delivered a solid defensive performance, particularly in his duels with Rayan Ait Nouri.
However, his contributions to Arsenal’s attack were minimal, as he rarely ventured forward to support offensive plays.
Despite this, his defensive stability was crucial, and he was awarded a rating of 6 for his efforts.
William Saliba
William Saliba showed flashes of defensive brilliance, especially when he disrupted a potentially dangerous counter-attack led by Doherty.
However, his performance wasn’t flawless; a misjudged pass to Cunha could have been disastrous on a different day.
Despite this error, his overall display was strong, meriting a rating of 6.
Gabriel:
Gabriel was a standout figure in Arsenal’s defense, repeatedly putting his body on the line to thwart Wolves’ attacks.
He handled the physical challenge posed by Strand Larsen effectively and was a constant threat during set pieces.
His defensive contributions were vital to Arsenal’s win, earning him a rating of 7.
Oleksandr Zinchenko:
Zinchenko had a composed and steady afternoon, significantly contributing to Arsenal’s first-half dominance.
However, a loose pass in the second half nearly put the team in jeopardy, but Wolves failed to capitalize on the mistake.
His overall performance was steady, earning him a rating of 6.
Thomas Partey:
Thomas Partey had moments of brilliance, notably when he set up Arsenal’s second goal with quick thinking.
Nevertheless, he was occasionally caught on the ball, a vulnerability that could have been costly in a closer match.
His performance was marked by both flashes of quality and instances of vulnerability, resulting in a rating of 5.
Martin Ødegaard:
Martin Ødegaard was instrumental in Arsenal’s offensive play, orchestrating the game with skill and vision.
His pressing was effective, and his clever back flick to Havertz in the first half was a standout moment.
His influence on the game was significant, earning him a well-deserved rating of 7.
Declan Rice:
Declan Rice put in a tireless shift, covering significant ground and contributing both defensively and offensively.
He was a key figure in the first half but understandably faded as the game progressed, likely due to his recent return to full fitness.
His overall effort and impact were commendable, leading to a rating of 7.
Bukayo Saka:
While Bukayo Saka wasn’t the most dominant player on the field, he made his moments count.
He scored a goal and provided an assist for Havertz, demonstrating his ability to punish opponents when given the chance.
His efficiency in critical moments earned him a solid rating of 8.
Kai Havertz:
Kai Havertz had an outstanding performance, showcasing his full range of talents.
He scored a classic center-forward’s header and later displayed his skill with the ball by assisting Saka’s goal.
His exceptional performance was the highlight of the match, earning him the highest rating of 9.
Gabriel Martinelli:
Gabriel Martinelli was active and found himself in promising positions, but his end product was lacking.
Despite his industrious play, he failed to make a decisive impact on the game, leaving room for improvement.
His performance suggested that Leandro Trossard might challenge him for his starting spot, leading to a rating of 6.
Substitutes:
Jurrien Timber:
Jurrien Timber made an impression during his short time on the pitch, particularly in the attacking third.
His dribble to the byline was a notable moment, and his aggressive tackling was evident.
However, he needs to be cautious after almost conceding a late penalty to Wolves. His brief yet effective performance earned him a rating of 7.
Leandro Trossard:
Leandro Trossard entered the match too late to make a significant impact or warrant a rating.
Gabriel Jesus:
Similarly, Gabriel Jesus came on too late in the game to be rated.
This victory for Arsenal was a demonstration of the team’s depth and resilience, with several players delivering key performances.
Kai Havertz, in particular, stood out, indicating that exciting times might be ahead for Arsenal as they continue their campaign.
