Arsenal player ratings: Trossard given freedom of Wolverhampton as Bukayo Saka endures quiet night
ARSENAL returned to the summit of the Premier League with a professional 2-0 away win over Wolves.
The Gunners shook off their European heartbreak of midweek by giving themselves a one point advantage at the top of the league – albeit with their rivals both holding a game in hand.
Leandro Trossard‘s first half wonder-goal opened the scoring between the two sides as the Belgian popped up with yet another important goal for Arsenal.
And an injury time cherry was added on top of the three points when captain Martin Odegaard tucked the ball in from a tight angle to make it 2-0.
It wasn’t a vintage performance from Mikel Arteta‘s men but it was a professional one that got them over the line and kept themselves in with a shot of pulling off something special come May.
Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated each Arsenal player’s individual performance…
DAVID RAYA – 7
Very little to do in the opening 30 minutes before a stunning reaction stop onto the post. Ultimately a match-winning save.
JAKUB KIWIOR – 6
Forward a lot but his accuracy of delivery was not there. Almost handed Wolves the lead after losing a duel to Joao Gomes but had Raya to thank.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
WILLIAM SALIBA – 6
Cracks beginning to show in his usually immaculate displays. Little missteps here and there. Makes up for it right now with his physicality and recovery speed.
GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 7
Unlike his defensive partner, is in great form and is becoming a real vocal leader of the back four and midfield in front of him, constantly gesturing to calm down and play through pressure.
BEN WHITE – 7
Industrious but his link-up play with Saka is missing some magic that we saw earlier this year, but still managed to get into some promising positions and was solid on his side.
DECLAN RICE – 6
Two side-footed efforts in the opening 45 minutes, the second almost creeping in.
Almost looks like he is trying too hard at times, to be everywhere all at once. Needs to remain calm off and on the ball and keep cool.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 8
Not at his pressing, high-energy best. Looked tired.
Dithered over a good chance in the box, but still wrapped up the points in the dying seconds with an ingenious finish from a tight angle.
KAI HAVERTZ – 7
Arguably Arsenal’s best player of the first half. Aggressive and determined and his cute dink towards Jesus ended up in the net a few seconds later.
Kept grafting, but like most of his teammates, lacked a clinical edge.
BUKAYO SAKA – 6
Saw an early header saved and wasted a glorious chance from Rice’s chip over the top in the first half. Another quiet night from the England winger.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8
Looked to have the freedom to roam, getting stuck in, and should have converted in the 26th minute from White’s low cross.
Made up for it with an unusual and somewhat fluky top corner finish just before half-time.
GABRIEL JESUS – 6
Very passive in attack, his only highlight other than a few loose touches was a limp effort wide before some neat hold up play sparked a goal out of the blue.
Arsenal need more than a couple of nice moments from him if they are to win the league.
SUBS
GABRIEL MARTINELLI (for Trossard) – 6
Brought on with Trossard waning to provide some energy and strength down the left but still looks a shadow of the player that ripped it up last season.
Selfishly took a shot late on when Saka was begging for a simple tap-in.
THOMAS PARTEY (for Jesus) – 6
More minutes under his belt as he returns to full fitness. Provided some grit in midfield in the closing stages.
