Arsenal ratings: Gabriel Martinelli does himself no favours as Riccardo Calafiori steps up when it matters most
GK – David Raya – 8/10 – had one shaky moment when Matheus Cunha nearly took the ball off him, but he then made a fine save from the Brazilian late in the first half, before keeping out a header from Bryan Mbeumo in the second. Also commanded his area well.
RB – Ben White – 6/10 – Cunha was a handful but the fullback was solid for the most part, and he also got forward to support the attack when he could.
CB – William Sailba – 7/10 – it was very much a game of two halves from the centre-back. He didn’t look comfortable under long balls and was too hesitant at times. However, he did play a key part in the goal, blocking off Altay Bayindir, and he made some timely blocks after the break.
CB – Gabriel – 7/10 – Like Saliba, the Brazilian didn’t start the game that well, but he made an excellent block to stop a shot from Bryan Mbeumo.
LB – Riccardo Calafiori – 7/10 – got himself an early booking but he managed to deal with things defensively well enough, even if Mbeumo got the better of him once or twice. He was also in the right place to score Arsenal’s winner.
Delivered the corner for the goal but really struggled to get control of the game although work rate was still good.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5
Needs a much better season than last term when he struggled. Some of his decision-making with the ball was really bad.
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BUKAYO SAKA – 5
Had a few bright moments in the first half but Luke Shaw did a decent job on him.
Could have scored at the end but Matthijs de Ligt delivered a fine block.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI -5
Gets a lot of stick from Arsenal fans and this performance really did not help him. Could have no complaints at being taken off.
VIKTOR GYOKERES – 6
Put in a shift and did get behind the United defence but he needs to be given much better servic
Viktor Gyokeres had an uninspiring debutCredit: Reuters
SUBS
KAI HAVERTZ (FOR GYOKERES, 60 MINS) – 5
A few nice moments but unable to make a breakthrough.
NONI MADUEKE (FOR MARTINELLI, 60 MINS) – 5
Saw little of the ball but could have scored deep into injury time.
JURRIEN TIMBER (FOR WHITE, 72 MINS) – 5
First competition game since his ankle operation
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (FOR CALAFIORI, 72 MINS) – 5
Will have been disappointed not to start.
MIKEL MERINO (FOR RICE, 83 MINS) – 5
