Arsenal player ratings vs Crystal Palace: Declan Rice MASTERCLASS

This article will include my Arsenal player ratings from their terrific win against London rivals Crystal Palace last night. What made the 1-0 win so special wasn’t the scoreline itself, but the collective performance of 10-man Arsenal to see off Crystal Palace. The pressure was rampant after Tomiyasu’s sending off, but the defensive work from ALL the players was enough.

Arsenal player ratings vs Crystal Palace

Let’s kick things off with the Ramsdale and his defenders…

Aaron Ramsdale – 7/10

To keep a clean sheet in a game of this magnitude, particularly in the second half, is quite remarkable. In truth, Palace weren’t the best attacking wise but when Ramsdale was called upon, he won.

Takehiro Tomiyasu – 4/10

He looked okay when he was on and the second yellow card was very soft, but still. He shouldn’t have wasted time in the first place given the new extra time rules and especially being on a yellow already, he shouldn’t have risked that push.

William Saliba – 9/10

Rolls Royce. I don’t give out 10/10 easily in my Arsenal player ratings but my word, Saliba was close. He proved just how important he is to Mikel Arteta’s side with consistent tackles and duels won. His only mistake was giving away a foul on the edge of the box but it wasn’t costly in the slightest. Best centre back in the league.

Ben White – 7.5/10

White always looks solid and last night was no exception. A few good blocks and duels won with the Crystal Palace attackers. Business as usual for Benny Blanco.

Thomas Partey – 8/10

Another very good display from Thomas Partey in the inverted full-back role (let’s face it, he was basically a midfielder until it mattered to defend).

Declan Rice – 9/10

Arsenal’s man of the match and their record signing for a reason. Last night, Rice was phenomenal as the play trickled through him and he covered every area of the pitch.

Martin Odegaard – 8/10

Scored the match-winning penalty and created chances for his teammates. The captain was substituted off given Arsenal’s need to defend, but his goal was the tale of the match in the end.

Bukayo Saka – 7.5/10

Saka was involved in a lot of the play early on before reminiscing his early days by playing as a full-back in the second half. Another performance to be proud of by Saka.

Eddie Nketiah – 8/10

A very good performance from Nketiah. He had a few good chances and ultimately won the penalty through his quick thinking. No goal but his contribution was as good as that.

Gabriel Martinelli – 7/10

Wasn’t involved in the match as much as he would’ve liked but still had a good display. Had the red card not have been issued, he would’ve had more time on the pitch to exploit the space left by Palace.

Subs

Gabriel – 8/10

Coming on from the bench, Gabriel showed why he should have started the match. He defended well and didn’t entertain the Palace press.

Jorginho – 7/10

Did well to provide some stability to the midfield and held possession well as Arsenal tried to see out the game.

Jakub Kiwior – 7/10

Provided sufficient backup to the defence when called upon and had some good ball-playing involvements to calm the Palace press.

Alex Zinchenko – N/A

Didn’t have enough impact to warrant a rating. Good to have Zinny back, though.

What did you make of Arsenal’s display?