Arsenal Player Ratings: Saka Shines as Gunners Rescue

The Gunners pulled one goal back to take them into the Champions League away from league leaders Liverpool.

Bukayo Saka scored one and set up two more as Arsenal survived a scare against Southampton.

Despite a quick start, Arsenal were unable to break the deadlock in the first half and a surprise was on the cards early in the second half when Cameron Archer fired home.

But Kai Havertz equaled Robin van Persie’s record of seven appearances at the Emirates Stadium.

Saka, who teed up the German for an equaliser, then produced a superb cross for substitute Gabriel Martinelli, who fired home at the back post in the 68th minute.

The England international produced another impressive display at the end of the season to make it three points for Mikel Arteta’s side after Aaron Ramsdale’s finish.

Goalkeeper & Defence

David Raya (6/10):

There was nothing he could do about the goal. He had nothing else to do with shots on goal.

Thomas Partey (7/10):

He was asked to play at right back, which was no mistake. Moves the ball well and always has chances. In the second half, the shot went wide.

William Saliba (6/10):

Maybe he was closing in on Archer to block his shot faster.

Gabriel Magalhaes (6/10):

He didn’t do much defensively, but he did a good job. The powerful Onuachu gave him something to think about.

Riccardo Calafiori (6/10):

A typical all-round display from the Italian took place all over the pitch. Although he was beaten many times in defense.

Midfield

Jorginho (6/10):

Good passing to create chances for Havertz. It looked like someone else would open up Southampton’s defense in the first half.

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Declan Rice (7/10):

Made a good run into the box and tried to get behind a busy Southampton defence. He didn’t stop running until the last few seconds.

Kai Havertz (8/10):

Sweating all over the pitch and Southampton struggled to get him at times. He has a good relationship with Saka. His excellent performance in the second half sparked the Arsenal defence. It’s great too

Attack

Bukayo Saka (9/10):

Two more assists, the second – for Martinelli – was excellent. He then scored the third goal himself with an injured right leg. It’s just as free.

Gabriel Jesus (5/10):

It was a rare start in the Premier League, but it was hard to impress. The character of the player requires character and courage.

Raheem Sterling (5/10):

He came close to breaking through with a muscular effort that was blocked at the end of the first half. Otherwise, he cannot enter the game. He was substituted in the second half.

Subs & Manager

Gabriel Martinelli (8/10):

Perfect at the back post to make it 2-1 and ensure it’s the most back-to-back goals in the Premier League. The maximum strength was injected when needed.

Leandro Trossard (7/10):

He immediately adds quality to the attack with his touch and movement.

Mikel Merino (6/10):

It was a straightforward escape from the Spaniard as he looked to top his form.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (N/A):

On for the past few minutes.

Jakub Kiwior (N/A):

In the final moments.

Mikel Arteta (6/10):

He made some sudden changes to the offense, and it didn’t really work. However, three early turnovers he made in the second half helped turn things around.

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