RICE RICE BABY! Arsenal vs Manchester United player ratings

HOW ABOUT THAT! There aren’t many more exciting ways to win a match then two stoppage time goals, but a win is a win. This match had it all – penalty controversy, late drama, goal-scoring flurries – so take a look at how each Gooner faired as Arsenal trumped Manchester United at the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta – 8

Finally, FINALLY Arteta went back to a classic back four. Zinchenko, Gabriel, Saliba and White. I plead my case after the Crystal Palace game (click here) about why going back to our traditional defence will help not only defensively, but also in attack – and it showed against United.

Arteta set the team up for success and his tactics worked well. My only criticism is that he left the substitutions a bit late, yet they still managed to affect the game.

Aaron Ramsdale – 7

Arsenal’s number 1 didn’t have an awful lot to do in this game. Some have said that he could’ve done better off Rashford’s shot after getting a hand to it, but Marcus Rashford’s right foot from 12 yards out is a tough task for any goalkeeper in world football.

Other than that, he did well to deny Martial from close range and played his role well.

Ben White – 7

White did everything that we had come to expect from him throughout his time at Arsenal so far. He was strong in defence and did what he could against Rashford. For the most part he did well, yet he failed to get tight enough to Rashford in the lead up to his goal.

He provided much more in attack than when Thomas Partey played in the role and looked right at home once again.

William Saliba – 8

Saliba was our rock in defence once again. He restricted Anthony Martial to just 19 touches and took charge of the backline throughout the full match. The Frenchman also came up with a vital block to deny United a goal from Ramsdale’s save.

Gabriel – 8.5

He’s backkkkkkkk. Gabriel was given his first start of the season and he did not disappoint. He was all over Martial, then he was all over Hojlund. Anything that United threw at him, he would head or boot clear. His split-second decision to play Garnacho offside paid off (just) and kept the Gunners in the game.

With a performance like that, it’s hard to see why he was ever dropped in the first place.

Oleksandr Zinchenko – 8

Here is another player that revolutionised the team’s performance. Returning from injury, it was like he never missed a beat. He completely silenced Antony and pulled the strings in the midfield in an inverted position.

Declan Rice – 9.5

Rice, Rice, baby! The £105 million man absolutely bossed the midfield and Manchester United didn’t know what to do. 85 touches, 88% pass accuracy, 50% long ball accuracy, 50% of ground duels won, 100% of aerial duels won, 1 clearance, 2 interceptions, 1 tackle and of course a 96th minute winner that sent the Emirates into ecstasy. Does it get any better?

In a world where Caicedo went for £110m and Enzo Fernandez cost £106m, £105m for Declan Rice is looking like money well spent. He has to be the signing of the season so far.

Martin Odegaard – 8.5

Captain Fantastic! Down 1-0? No problem, just give the Norwegian about 30 seconds and he’ll sort it out. When things start to go sideways, you need your captain to step up – that’s exactly what he did. He was clean in possession throughout the match and led the press in defence. Although he wasn’t on the pitch for our two late winners, he kept pushing us on throughout his 89 minute cameo, keeping us in the game for long enough for us to steal it at the end.

Kai Havertz – 4

This one was a hard watch. When a new player joins the club, you want them to do well, but it almost seems like it’s going to get worse before it gets better for the German. A horrifically scuffed shot from close range and a poor turnover for United’s goal – no matter what analogy Arteta uses; he must improve if he wants to stay in the team. We’ve seen the impact that Fabio Vieira has off the bench and with the likes of Trossard and Smith-Rowe on the bench (who can both play the same role), it seems to be just a matter of time before Havertz is dropped.

Bukayo Saka – 6

It was an off-day for our starboy. He seemed to be just a step off it in this match and Dalot looked to have his measure. His chance from six yards summed it up best – how many times have we seen him score those, but instead he puts it straight at Onana.

Gabriel Martinelli – 8

It was tough to settle on a rating for this one. Wan Bissaka defended well throughout the game, but we won countless corners off that match up. Brilliant play to set up Arsenal’s first goal, a filthy bit of skill to set up Saka’s missed chance and easily the liveliest performance of the three Arsenal attackers.

Eddie Nketiah – 7.5

Nketiah struggled to really impose himself on the match. His main duties were to lead the line in defence, but other than that, no chance really fell to him.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

Takehiro Tomiyasu – 6.5

No complaints, solid 20 minute cameo.

Gabriel Jesus – 8.5

The name on the back of the shirt may say G. Jesus, but I could’ve sworn I saw Alexis Sanchez. Absolutely diabolical finish – it will be really interesting to see who starts between him and Nketiah, based on who we play.

Fabio Vieira – 7.5

It’s only a matter of time before he earns a starting berth in this team. He’s been too good off the bench to not have one.

Reiss Nelson – 6.5

Came on, brought lots of energy, team scored late on to win the game. Just another Reiss Nelson performance.

Jorginho – 6

Wasn’t on for long enough to judge his performance.