Arsenal player ratings: Declan Rice shows why Gunners paid £105m but Kai Havertz has another shocker vs Man Utd
ARSENAL triumphed over Manchester United thanks to two late goals from Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus in what could be a huge victory in Arsenal’s title hunt.
The tie very nearly looked to be lost for Arsenal before Alejandro Garacho’s late strike was ruled out for offside by VAR.
That kept the scores level at 1-1.
Arsenal then saw dramatic late strikes from Rice and Jesus to secure all three points.
Here is how Mark Irwin rated the Gunners…
AARON RAMSDALE – 6
Beaten again by the first shot on target but couldn’t be blamed for this one. Important second-half save to deny Martial but he surely must have thought he was going to be busier than this. 6
BEN WHITE – 6
Still scarred by the chasing he got from Marcus Rashford last season, he was guilty of standing too far off the United man and giving him too much time to pick his spot for the opening goal. Got forward well to support Saka.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
Anthony Martial will be haunted by his fellow Frenchman in his dreams after this monstering. Saliba won their battle all ends up and looks to be getting stronger with every game, although he still has an occasional mistake in him.
GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 7
Finally back in the starting line-up due to Partey’s injury and clearly had a point to prove. A powerhouse in the middle of the defence and absolutely relished his physical battle with Hojlund when the big Dane came on for a late cameo.
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OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO – 6
Like Gabriel, this was his first start of the season and it didn’t take him long to get right back into the groove. So comfortable on the ball, he was always looking to join the midfield while still keeping a close eye on Anthony.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 8
The skipper led from the front to drag Arsenal back into the game with a perfectly placed equaliser from the edge of the box. Pressed like a mad thing to make sure United’s defence were never able to settle on the ball.
DECLAN RICE – 9
Stepped up to show just why Arsenal have paid £105milion to get him in their team. Totally bossed the midfield and relished the responsibility of playing through the lines from deep. A Rolls-Royce of a performance, he took the roof off the Emirates with his stunning 96th minute winner.
KAI HAVERTZ – 5
Arteta has urged the fans to show the £65million German some love but he’s not making it easy for them. Took a complete fresh air shot with the goal at his mercy and then gave the ball away in the build-up to United’s goal. Convinced he should have had a penalty when clipped by Wan-Bissaka and couldn’t believe it was overturned by VAR.
BUKAYO SAKA – 6
Tried his heart out but it just wasn’t happening for him against a solid United defence which was taking no prisoners. Being marked so closely is starting to take its toll. Booked.
EDDIE NKETIAH – 7
The England new boy kept his place in the side despite Gabriel Jesus being fit and available and gave his all to justify his selection. His hold-up play has really improved but he was never able to get a clear sight of goal all game.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8
Arsenal’s creator in chief, he was involved in all of his team’s best attacking moves. Gave Wan-Bissaka a real run-around and provided the assist for Odegaard to come up with the instant response to falling behind in the first-half.
SUBS
Gabriel Jesus (for Nketiah 76mins): Buried United on the break with a 100th minute goal to secure the points.
Takehiro Tomiyasu (for Zinchenko 76mins): On for the flagging Zinchenko and helped to shore things up at the back
Fabio Vieira (for Havertz 76mins): He changed the game when he came on against Fulham last week and did the same again to tee up Jesus.
Reiss Nelson (for Martinelli 89mins): On too late to make an impact.
Jorginho (for Odegaard 98mins): On too late to make an impact.
Subs not used: Raya, Smith Rowe, Kiwior, Trossard.