Arsenal player ratings vs Manchester United: Gabriel bullies Hojlund

Arsenal have had a terrific result as they head into the international break. Winning against your bitter rivals Manchester United is a great feeling at the best of times, let alone when the victory comes in the manner it did yesterday. A stonewall penalty was denied for Arsenal and United’s late winner was ruled out correctly.

Arsenal player ratings vs Manchester United

Despite it looking like Arsenal would lose 2-1, they ended up WINNING 3-1. It was a bizarre game, but a great feeling for Mikel Arteta. Let’s jump into his team’s player ratings.

For Manchester United’s player ratings, click here.

GK: Aaron Ramsdale 5/10

In truth, he didn’t have much to do as United played very defensively. Still, you don’t complain about days like that as a goalkeeper.

RB: Ben White 6/10

A great performance from White as he returned to the right-back position, which I actually thinks suits him more. He was involved a lot more in the attacking play.

CB: Gabriel  8/10

A great performance from Gabriel as he proved his worth to the team. When Rasmus Hojlund came on, the Brazil defender made him redundant.

CB: William Saliba 8/10

Like his partner, Saliba was important in stopping the rare Manchester United attacks. A great display from Willo.

LB: Oleksandr Zinchenko 7/10

He was subbed off but his role in the first half was important. In true Zinny fashion, it was impossible to work out his position as he was here, there and everywhere.

CM: Declan Rice 9.5/10

Wow. What a performance. And I’m not just talking about the dramatic winner, Rice was important to a lot of attacking movements and he was in the right place at the right time to intercept a lot. Man of the match performance from the signing of the summer.

CM: Martin Odegaard: 8.5/10

A captain’s performance to get the goal back instantly after going down. Odegaard was instrumental as always.

CM: Kai Havertz 7/10

He’ll get stick from people on social media who didn’t watch the match and only saw clips. But people that watch the game understand why Arteta always picks him. Many good involvements and even some great defending moments from the German yesterday.

RW: Bukayo Saka 7/10

Saka has high standards, but he played well yesterday. In truth, Dalot did well to deal with Saka, but his direct runs proved to be a nightmare for United to deal with.

ST: Eddie Nketiah 6.5/10

Tried to play the Jesus role of dropping deep, but there were pockets of space he should’ve exploited. Still, a good display from Nketiah.

LW: Gabriel Martinelli 6.5/10

It was an interesting battle with Wan-Bissaka, as Martinelli’s direct runs and insane dribbling made it difficult for the full-back. His corners could’ve been much better, though.

SUB: Gabriel Jesus 8.5/10

The goal spoke for itself as it was cooly put away, but his attacking input has clearly been missed as things ticked much more in the box with Jesus on the pitch.

SUB: Takehiro Tomiyasu 7/10

Offering a different approach to Zinchenko, I liked his link-up play with fellow sub Reiss Nelson in extra time.

SUB: Fabio Vieira 8.5/10

Another stellar substitute appearance from the Portugal international. He’s really making a claim to be a starter.

SUB: Reiss Nelson 8/10

Again, Nelson was a game changer in an important match. He was physical and met the needs of the match in extra time. Arsenal truly are blessed with Hale End graduates like Reiss.

Who was your man of the match in Arsenal 3-1 Manchester United?