Arsenal player ratings vs Slavia Prague: 9/10 statement performance in nervy Champions League win

Wiktor Nowak scored in the 90th minute as Slavia threatened a grandstand finish but Arsenal did enough to hold on and move up to third in the league-phase standings.

Here is how Matt Verri rated the Arsenal players...

David Raya 7

Bit too casual at times with the ball, as he tried to keep himself interested on a very routine night. Did his best to preserve Arsenal’s clean sheet with a truly outrageous save with his fingertips late in the match, but got done with a teasing cross in stoppage-time.

Ben White 7

Looked close to his best in attack, flying forward to support Madueke. Perfect cut-back should have been finished by Merino. Bullied Sturm when called into action defensively too. Sloppier after the break as Arsenal’s standards dipped.

Ezri Konsa 6

Pressure is on with Saliba back in the squad. Booked for a rash challenge, diving in out wide when he did not need to. But otherwise assured and had one superb burst down the right wing. Key block to deny Ayaosi too.

Gabriel 8

Rescued Arsenal with two brilliant goal-line clearances in the space of a few seconds. Heroic defending. Stepped up when he needed to and went close to scoring when Madueke crossed to the back post.

Leader at the back: Gabriel

Getty

Piero Hincapie 7

Much sharper than he looked against Fleetwood. Dangerous threat down the left wing, but still some moments when he was technically slightly off. However, his runs out wide did seem to bring the best out of Eze.

Declan Rice 7

Even without being at full pelt, Slavia could not live with his running power. Stopped attacks and drove Arsenal up the pitch. Looked exhausted as the second half went on - big surprise he played the full 90 minutes.

Martin Zubimendi 8

Might have gone under the radar but this was a top midfield display. Won eight of his ten duels and played with a nice zip to get Arsenal flowing. Hasn’t had many chances this season but deserves more on this evidence.

Electric. Ruthless finish to open the scoring and he ran the Slavia defence ragged with his direct play. Could easily have had a couple of assists too and improvements off the ball are continuing. Worked really hard.

Mikel Merino 6

Wasted two big chances in the first half, surprisingly lacking a clinical edge. But he was confident on the ball and combined nicely with Gyokeres for Arsenal’s second. Just about avoided conceding a penalty after a VAR review.

Eberechi Eze 7

Confidence was flowing and he gave Vlcek nightmares - the defender just resorted to kicking him. Came close to scoring after some glorious footwork created space. Joy to watch when he glides away from challenges.

Viktor Gyokeres 9

Sensational first-half showing. Link-up play was the best it’s been for Arsenal, a massive step up in that regard. Assist for Madueke and had so many nice flicks. Then got his goal with a sublime curled finish. Statement performance.

Star man | Viktor Gyokeres

PA

Substitutes:

Cristhian Mosquera (Konsa 62’) 5

Rare minutes, particularly with Saliba now back. Too weak in stoppage time when going down and leaving the defence exposed.

Christos Tzolis (Eze 62’) 6

Drifted into central areas in a bright cameo. Still a sense he can be too unselfish in the opposition’s box.

Jurrien Timber (White 78’) 5

Popped up at striker when getting on the end of a goal kick. His lobbed effort bobbled just wide. Not great defending at the near post for Slavia’s goal.

Martin Odegaard (Gyokeres 78’) 7

Injected real energy into the team as he tried to get Arsenal going again. Buzzed around the pitch.