Arsenal player ratings vs Man Utd

Two of the Gunners’ summer signings endured sharply contrasting fortunes as they left it late to secure a 3-1 win at the Emirates

The Emirates Stadium enjoyed some pretty unhinged scenes of celebration last season, but when Declan Rice’s effort deflected in off Jonny Evans to make it 2-1 to Arsenal against Manchester United on Sunday, what followed could rival anything that had come before.

For a long time it looked like it wasn’t going to happen, with Kai Havertz’s miserable afternoon summing up his side’s frustration. It would be the visitors who took the lead through Marcus Rashford after Havertz lost possession cheaply. However, Arsenal only had to wait 35 seconds after kick-off to draw level, with Martin Odegaard finishing precisely from the edge of the box.

Just before the hour, Havertz thought he might have redeemed himself, but VAR intervened to chalk off the penalty he had won. Arteta and Co won’t be cursing the technology too much tonight, however, as it later corrected a narrow offside call after Alejandro Garnacho thought he had won it for the Red Devils.

This set up a grand-slam finish in stoppage-time. First, Rice edged his side in front and then Gabriel Jesus put the cherry on top of an ultimately joyous afternoon for Gunners fans with a wonderfully calm finish.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Aaron Ramsdale (6/10):

Made a few decent stops and very little he could do about Rashford’s goal – it was an absolute beauty.

Ben White (6/10):

Seemed to get himself in a bit of a tangle for Rashford’s opener. Other than that he was typically composed.

William Saliba (7/10):

Made an absolutely vital block to deny Rashford early in the second half. Did not give Martial a sniff all game.

Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):

Restored to the starting line up and did a pretty good job of showing Arteta what he’s been missing. A solid defensive display.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10):

Not his most influential game, but he still played a key role in possession. Kept Antony very quiet.

Midfield

Declan Rice (8/10):

Provided a stoic platform for Arsenal to dominate the majority of the game. Then got a well-deserved moment in the sun, sending the Emirates into delirium in the dying moments.

Kai Havertz (4/10):

Should have scored early on, but instead produced a farcical air kick. Soon after he gave it away cheaply which led to Rashford’s goal. A terrible afternoon was compounded when him winning a penalty was chalked off by VAR.

Martin Odegaard (7/10):

The captain led by example, drawing his side level just seconds after the restart. Kept plugging away, trying to find space on the edge of the box.

Attack

Bukayo Saka (8/10):

Engaged in an intense physical battle with Dalot all game long, rarely giving his opposite number a moment’s peace. Corner delivery was spot on too, with Rice eventually finishing one off.

Eddie Nketiah (6/10):

No goal this time, but he harried the United defence. A standout display here might have seen him steal Jesus’ place on a more permanent basis, but the Brazilian seems safe – especially after netting.

Gabriel Martinelli (7/10):

Set up Odegaard’s strike with a clever bit of play. Got a lot of crosses into the box, but rarely was anyone there to finish. Most of the stadium thought he’d scored in the second half, but it just whistled past the post.