Arsenal ratings: Saka shines in pre-season opener but Fabio Vieira fails to take opportunity after Odegaard injury
MIKEL ARTETA took his Arsenal side to Germany for their first taste of pre-season action this year.
The Gunners travelled to face second-tier Nurnberg at Max-Morlock-Stadion.
The Spaniard gave plenty of his high-profile stars a chance to get some minutes into their legs on a glorious, sun-drenched evening.
But he suffered a huge blow in the warm-up when skipper Martin Odegaard picked up an injury.
Arsenal took the lead through Bukayo Saka’s brilliant first-half effort.
But they were pegged back shortly after the hour mark, via Jorginho’s shambolic own goal.
Following the Gunners’ first taste of pre-season action, SunSport rates each Arsenal performer.
AARON RAMSDALE – 6
England international had little to do on his pre-season bow.
Ramsdale was largely limited to taking goal kicks on an easy evening’s work before being substituted at half-time.
BEN WHITE – 7
Got forward well to tee up Fabio Vieira for an early chance.
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Set to receive more competition following Jurrien Timber’s arrival, but offered a reminder of his quality with plenty of dangerous forward runs.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 6
Frenchman made his long-awaited return from injury in Arsenal’s pre-season opener.
The defender oozed his usual class but was not really tested at any point.
GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 6
Like Saliba, Gabriel was seldom tested by Nurnberg’s forward line.
The Brazilian was efficient with the ball and did little wrong for his side.
JAKUB KIWIOR – 6
Fielded in a more unfamiliar left-back role. Kiwior was dispossessed on the edge of Arsenal’s final third, putting his side under pressure.
An otherwise comfortable outing for the Gunners’ January acquisition.
THOMAS PARTEY – 7
Strolled around protecting Arsenal’s back four with ease.
The Ghanaian was rarely tested defensively and looked to get the Gunners on the attack with his passing.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5
Played in more of a midfield role than he did last season.
The Belgian buzzed around with plenty of industry, but didn’t create much – was replaced by Folarin Balogun after appearing to pick up an injury.
FABIO VIEIRA – 5
Portuguese ace stepped into the starting line-up after Martin Odegaard’s injury in the warm up, but fluffed an early shooting opportunity.
The 23-year-old failed to take advantage of his chance to start – looking lightweight and struggling to influence the game.
BUKAYO SAKA – 8
Picked up from where he left off last season in the eighth minute when he cut inside before arrowing a brilliant strike into the bottom corner.
Constantly looked too good for this opposition and received a few nasty tackles.
REISS NELSON – 6
Linked up nicely with Eddie Nketiah early on.
Looked neat and tidy on the ball but didn’t cause too many problems.
EDDIE NKETIAH – 5
Handed an opportunity to start ahead of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.
Forward buzzed around but didn’t threaten as much as he’d have hoped.
SUBSTITUTES
Karl Hein (for Ramsdale, 46) – 5
Strong to come and collect a set-piece soon after coming on.
Put Jorginho under pressure with a pass before being beaten by the Italian’s atrocious return ball.
Cedric Soares (for Saliba, 46) – 5
Blasted a decent chance wide with his left foot.
Clearly unlikely to remain an Arsenal player for much longer, particularly on this evidence.
Kieran Tierney (for Kiwior, 46) – 6
Typically tidy performance from the Scot.
Tierney is too good to remain a bit-part player and will surely leave Arsenal, with Newcastle interested.
Jorginho (for Partey, 46) – 4
Endured a nightmare moment by scoring a horrendous, bizarre own goal after receiving a pass from Hein.
Kai Havertz (for Nelson, 46) – 6
Played in a more withdrawn role than fans became used to seeing him at Chelsea.
Didn’t make a huge impact on his first appearance in an Arsenal shirt.
Gabriel Jesus (for Saka, 46) – 6
Should have had an assist when he teed up Balogun for a brilliant chance.
Folarin Balogun (for Trossard, 55) – 5
Fluffed an incredible chance just moments after coming on, striking the post when it looked easier to score into a virtually open goal.
Ethan Nwaneri (for Vieira, 60) – 6
Played beyond his years in Arsenal’s midfield.
The 16-year-old wasn’t afraid to put himself about, and excited Gunners fans with his display.
Aaron Trusty (for Gabriel, 60) – 5
Defender spent last season on loan at Birmingham in the Championship.
He won’t receive Premier League opportunities at Arsenal on this showing.
Reuell Walters (for White, 78) – N/A
Not enough time to make a huge impact, but a great experience nonetheless for the youngster.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (for Nketiah, 78) – N/A
Similarly to Walters, Lewis-Skelly will have benefited hugely from this first-team exposure.