Arsenal ratings: Gabriel Jesus puts on a masterclass but Ben White looks ragged despite thumping 4-0 win
ARSENAL made a stunning return to the Champions League after a six-year absence by smashing four past PSV.
Bukayo Saka got them off to a flyer with just eight minutes on the clock and it was one-way traffic after that.
Leandro Trossard made it two after 20 minutes and Gabriel Jesus added a third before the break.
Captain Martin Odegaard sealed the 4-0 victory over PSV in the second half to cap a memorable night at the temporarily renamed ‘Arsenal Stadium’.
Here is how each of Arsenal’s stars performed against the Dutch giants:
DAVID RAYA – 7
Had a couple of early chances to get his hands on the ball with saves from Noa Lang and Johan Bakayoko. Had big boots to fill given Ramsdale has played 76 of the last 78 Prem games but was calm and composed.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
Emerged from the restart with a fire in his belly and produced a redhot performance. But in the first-half all of PSV’s joy came through Noa Lang and Ben White had to have words with Saliba.
There was not an entirely happy camp at the back before the break.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
BEN WHITE – 6
Not his best game in an Arsenal shirt. Also bagged the club’s first yellow card in the Champions League in seven years with a very Ben White-eque foul. Good passing but looked a bit ragged.
GABRIEL – 7
Strong in the air with a string of monstrous headers and stayed hot on Luuk De Jong’s heels. He was a tad chaotic with a few clearances though.
BUKAYO SAKA – 7
His twinkle toes danced into the box to create an early chance and there was no surprise when he broke the deadlock. It began with Walter Benitez spilling a shot and Saka was there to gobble up the loose ball.
MARTIN ODEAGAARD 8/10 – Assisted the first goal and nearly scored on 18 minutes. Before the break he completed more passes (31) and attempted more passes into the final third (16) than any other player. No one had more than his 39 touches. He read the game well and produced a belting finish to make it 4-0.
GABRIEL JESUS – 9/10 Brilliant in build up to the opener, then came inches away from turning in a cross AND stung the hands of the PSV goalkeeper with a rasping effort. So he completely deserved to crack home the Gunners third goal. A reminder that he has scored more Champions League goals (21) than Ronaldinho (18) and Ronaldo (14).
LEANDRO TROSSARD 8/10 – Made himself a nuisance and put pressure on the PSV goalkeeper from the offset. Produced a silky smooth finish to make it 2-0 before coming off on 57 minutes.
KAI HAVERTZ 7/10 Hoofed a 22nd minute effort over but was solid and did the dirty work. Had the patience to allow players to occupy spaces before he decided the run he wanted to make. Selfless but maybe too selfless at times. Could have made more of the opportunities he had.
OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO 7/10 – Zinchenko egged on a boisterous Emirates before the first-half goal-fest. Organised the defence well before coming off early on 57 minutes.
DECLAN RICE 7/10 – Does the dirty work so easily and efficiently which can easily go unnoticed.
SUBS
TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU 7/10 – kept the high tempo going.
REISS NELSON 8/10 – Lively when came on, outmuscling defenders to nearly set up a fourth.
EMILE SMITH ROWE 7/10- Solid performance on his Champions League debut.
FABIO VIEIRA 7/10 – Livewire when he came on, injected energy and creativity.
JORGINHO 7/10 – Intelligent baller as always.