Arsenal player ratings as the Gunners booked their place in the Champions League final at the expense of Atletico Madrid
Arsenal booked their place in the UEFA Champions League final for only the second time in their history. In what was always likely to be a close affair between two top sides, the Gunners edge it out.
In the second game in a row in Europe, Arsenal were denied what looked like a clear penalty when Leandro Trossard was brought down in the box by Antoine Griezmann. The Gunners took the lead through Bukayo Saka, who tapped in after a scramble was created in the Atletico Madrid box.
Viktor Gyokeres had a massive opportunity to make it two goals to the good in the second half buyt
Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players involved:
David Raya – Had to be alert to the chance in the box, which he got down low to stop. Was there to mop up after Piero Hincapie’s mistake. 7
Ben White – The connection with Saka down the right was just so much better, and the Arsenal right flank looked incredibly threatening. 8
William Saliba – Some brilliant, imperious moments that just made you gasp with appreciation, the touches defensively to outrun, or outturn his opponent were sublime. Made the error that needed to be saved by Gabriel knocking his score down slightly. 8
Gabriel – Had the shot inside the opening 20 minutes from the edge of the post, fire wide. Had to be in the right position to stop Guiliano Simeone tapping in after Saliba’s backwards header and was strong in the biggest of moments. 9
Riccardo Calafiori – Enjoyed several forays forward during his time on the field, including a shot from range and popping up in the box, but was tackled. Good performance. 7
Declan Rice – Forced in a great sliding block in the box in the opening stages of the game. Then went on to showcase his world-class ability, striding through midfield and also orchestrating play from deep. 8
Myles Lewis-Skelly – Wanted the ball all the time in the middle, and found himself often inside the box, playing a great crossed ball driven into a dangerous area, but without anyone to tap it in. He always wanted the ball from his teammates and was willing to make stuff happen, a great showing on the biggest of stages. 8
Eberechi Eze – An odd game for the former Crystal Palace man, who couldn’t get himself into the game and was unsurprisingly replaced in the second half. 6
Bukayo Saka – Right place, right time, tapping in when the ball presented itself. Couldn’t stay on much longer in the second half and needed to be replaced. 8
Viktor Gyokeres – Some excellent runs made in the first half, and then his efforts were rewarded as it was his cross which found Trossard at the back post for the first goal. Had the chance to send the Gunners to the final when the cross from Hincapie found him in the box, but the touch was too heavy, and it went just over. 8
Leandro Trossard – His shot forced the save from Oblak, which fell into the path of Saka to give the Gunners the lead. Produced really good connections with Hincapie when he came on too, setting the full-back away down the left. 8
Substitutes:
Martin Odegaard – Came on to help both with the press, but more so to get control of the ball, especially in the middle of the park. 6
Noni Madueke – Sadly came on and was largely frustrating, running deep into the right wing but unable to produce much with it. 4
Piero Hincapie – Found a brilliant cross from the left, which should have been scored by Gyokeres. A hectic moment at the back nearly cost his side but his keeper mopped up. 6
Martin Zubimendi – A great asset to be able to bring on to help see out the game. 6
Gabriel Martinelli – Came on and fought with all his fibres in every duel to see it through. 6
