Arsenal player ratings vs Man City as Gabriel Martinelli scores and William Saliba shows quality

How the Gunners performed individually in their Premier League clash with Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium

Arsenal beat Manchester City for the first time in eight years in the Premier League thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s late goal at the Emirates. A tight affair began with City taking the lead when Julian Alvarez almost blocked David Raya’s pass.

Raya were unconvincing throughout the match, but Arsenal held their own defensively throughout, limiting City’s clear-cut chances to few. The Gunners didn’t really create many chances and entering the 85th minute, it seemed like the match would end goalless.

However, Takehiro Tomiyasu suddenly appeared, sending the ball long into the path of Kai Havertz.The German then released Martinelli, whose shot deflected off Nathan Ake to seal the win. Below, football.london takes a look at how Arsenal players performed individually in the match.

David Raya: The Spaniard is normally an ocean of calm in the Arsenal backline but today he was anything but. Uncharacteristically poor passing from the back and flapping at crosses. Aaron Ramsdale would have been watching on with intrigue. Looked to have been knocked by his error at Lens in midweek. 5.

Ben White: Defensively really good as City threw various different combinations at him. Couldn’t get forward as much as he usually does but given the opponents that can be forgiven. 7.

William Saliba: When Arsenal looked uncertain of themselves in the first half, the one man who stood out like a sore thumb for his calmness was Saliba. The Frenchman put on another masterclass of of how to deal with Erling Haaland. Feels like the day where he announced himself as the best central defender in the Premier League 8.

Gabriel: Hewasn’t always convincing when heplayed from behind and put Raya throughsome tough tests. When asked to defend, the Brazilian playedexcellently and made several last-minutesaves to preventanumberof City goals. 8.

Gabriel: He wasn’t always convincing when he played from behind and put Raya through some tough tests. When asked to defend, the Brazilian played excellently and made several last-minute saves to prevent a number of City goals. 8.

Oleksandr Zinchenko: Only ranked 6th in terms of touches in the Arsenal squad, showing that he does not have the best influence. Still defending quite well with an excellent tackle against Doku, outstanding.6.

Jorginho: Got booked early on after an unnecessary tactical foul but put together a pretty decent game as far as the game goes. Allows Arsenal to match Man City at certain stages when controlling the ball. 6.

Declan Rice: The interception machine in the Arsenal midfield.Strengthening aims to end the seemingly endless period of city ownership. Holds the ball well and shows a desire to move forward, befitting his role as a striker. 8.

Martin Odegaard: Organized a strong attack against Arsenal in the final third of the field and helped them defend Man City well. Too many shots from distance when they don’t really work.6.

Gabriel Jesus: I work hard on the right wing and have to defend very deep. However, his moments of quality were among Arsenal’s highlights in the final third. 7.

Eddie Nketiah: His chances were limited and he missed the target in the first half.Really tiring in the second half and this became a problem for the Arsenal press. 5.

Leandro Trossard: Struggled to really make an impact for the second game in a row. This seems harsh because it feels like a case of Arsenal trying to get him the ball, but on the rare occasions he does get the ball, he doesn’t do enough. 5.

SUBSTITUTES –

Gabriel Martinelli: Brought instant urgency into the Arsenal attack after coming on at half time. This forward thrust was rewarded with a fortunate deflection late on that he probably deserved with his display. 7.

Kai Havertz: Looks to be much more comfortable in an Arsenal shirt playing up front as a facilitator. Played this role to great effect to set up the goal. 7.

Thomas Partey: Brought his usual mix of control and verticality to the base of the midfield. Arteta would have been delighted to have him to call upon late on. 6.

Takehiro Tomiyasu: Brought on to see the game out in the defensive third but made the difference in the final third with his run out of nowhere to create Martinelli’s late winner. 7.