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Arsenal player ratings: Bukayo Saka shines vs Wolves but Leandro Trossard makes case for Kai Havertz to start instead


ARSENAL survived a late Wolves rally to claim a vital win that takes them four points clear at the top of the Premier League.

The Gunners dominated the first half, and led 2-0 inside 13 minutes thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.

Bukayo Saka impressed in the win over WolvesCredit: Getty
Martin Odegaard scored the decisive goalCredit: Getty

Matheus Cunha scored after the break – but it proved not enough for Wolves as the game ended 2-1.

It moves Arsenal four points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Here is how SunSport’s Sam Dymond rated the performances.

David Raya – 6

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A quiet afternoon for the Spanish stopper until Cunha’s late stunner.
Had made a brave save in first half injury time to deny Hwang.

Takehiro Tomiyasu – 7

Got forward well to support Saka all afternoon until succumbing to injury. Replaced late on by White as a precaution.

William Saliba – 7

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Cruised through the game with his usual graceful poise. Until he was cautioned for wrestling Hwang to the floor, that is.

Gabriel – 7

Solid for most of the contest in dealing with the challenge of Cunha.
Could have sealed the game before the break with a close-range header.

Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7

Some questionable defensive moments including in the build-up to the Wolves consolation, but such an asset in attack.

His movement and one-touch football was pivotal in creating an excellent Odegaard goal.

Martin Odegaard – 8

Another captain’s performance from Arsenal’s pass master.

Rarely put a foot wrong, and was always the most likely to unlock the Wolves defence.

Declan Rice – 7

Flourished when getting forward, particularly in the first half.

Kept busy at times when required to track back to keep pace with Cunha and Bellegard.

Declan Rice was composed in midfieldCredit: Reuters

Leandro Trossard – 6

Struggled at times after slotting back into a midfield three. Guilty of missing clear-cut opportunities in either half.

Bukayo Saka – 8

Showed real composure to get Arsenal up and running in the third minute with the club’s 100th goal of 2023.

Almost bettered his opener with a stunner from long range in the second half.

Gabriel Jesus – 8

Fluffed his lines in front of goal, but his all-round attacking play was otherwise excellent.

His unselfish play continues to allow others to thrive.

Gabriel Martinelli – 7

His incisive runs caused the Wolves defence a number of problems, but often the final ball was lacking.

However, he showed real tenacity when helping out his defence.

Subs:

Eddie Nketiah – 6

Failed to make an impression after his introduction, but should have finished Wolves off when hitting the post after being put clean through.

Kai Havertz – 6

Showed the good and bad sides of his game despite just 20 minutes on the pitch.

Ben White – 6

A fine replacement for the injured Tomiyasu, and could well be needed in the coming weeks.

Jorginho – 6

Thrown on in injury time to help see out the game with his experience.

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Jakub Kiwior – 6

A defensive reinforcement in the final seconds when Wolves were throwing caution to the wind.

Martin Odegaard impressed in the heart of midfieldCredit: PA


Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk


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