FABIO VIEIRA and Eddie Nketiah stole the show as Arsenal brushed aside Bodo/Glimt 3-0 at the Emirates.
Arsenal looked comfortable against an opponent previously unbeaten in Europe this season but it was their front three that gave them a cutting edge.
Gabriel Martinelli was not at his best but played a key role in the opening goal and that set the Gunners on their way to victory.
Nketiah bundled in Arsenal’s first after Kieran Tierney hit the post before Vieira crossed for Rob Holding to double the advantage.
Vieira could have scored moments before and was a constant threat along with Nketiah, with the pair both looking sharp despite mainly being confined to the bench this season.
It was not all rosy for Mikel Arteta however as Bodo/Glimt caused his side problems in the second half, while Marquinhos and Albert Sambi Lokonga were underwhelming.
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Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the Gunners’ performance as Arsenal claimed their eighth home win on the bounce…
Matt Turner – 6
Produced two very good saves in the second half to record his first clean sheet for the club.
The American was comfortable with the ball at his feet too which will please Arteta.
Takehiro Tomiyasu – 7
Looked sharp and energetic which is no small feat given this was just his second start of the season.
He got forward well and did not let anything come down his side, even when he switched to the left flank.
Rob Holding – 7
Scored a brilliant header to put his side in a commanding poistion in the 26th minute and was solid defensively.
Like Gabriel he coped well with the counter-attack after being left exposed on more than one occasion.
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Gabriel – 7
There is a reason why he was just one of three players to keep his place from the North London derby.
Ever reliable and clearly trusted by Arteta, he was often the man to step in a stop a Bodo/Glimt counter-attack once they got past the midfield.
Kieran Tierney – 8
The Scot got forward at every opportunity and almost put the Gunners in front with a rasping effort that came back off the post, with Nketiah gobbling up the rebound.
Was taken off in the second half but only because Arteta wants to keep him fresh for Liverpool on Sunday, as he did not put a foot wrong.
Albert Sambi Lokonga – 5
Calm and composed on the ball and coped with Bodo/Glimt’s high press.
But the Gunners’ midfield was overrun at times with the visitors enjoying way too much space between the Arsenal backline and midfield.
Granit Xhaka – 6
Solid first half and supported the attack well as he has done consistently this season, but he lacked concentration at the start of the second period.
Was taken off shortly afterwards with Arteta keen to keep him as fresh as possible for Sunday.
Fabio Vieira – 9
Clipped the bar on the half volley early on but should have scored since he was only eight yards out.
Looked lively and produced a wonderful cross for Holding to score moments after he had a shot saved.
He could have had a hat-trick on another night but finally got his reward when he smashed in an open goal late on.
Marquinhos – 4
Not the greatest of games for the Brazilian. His touch was heavy and he was caught offside too many times – he also looked indecisive in the final third.
Was taken off before the hour mark which sums up his ineffectiveness.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7
His brilliant run drew in defenders and had the vision and skill to pick out an umarked Tierney in the build up to the first goal.
But he was in and out of the game and did not get into enough scoring opportunities.
Eddie Nketiah – 7
A rare start for the striker and he made the most of it. He was a constant danger with his runs in behind and showed his poaching instinct when he tapped in a rebound after Tierney struck the post.
He has now scored 12 goals in his last 15 starts for Arsenal but could have easily made that 13 late on.
Nevertheless, he is still proving he could be more than just an able deputy to Gabriel Jesus.
Subs
Gabriel Jesus (for Martinell, 58mins) – 7
He was the sharpest of the substitutes and some lovely footwork inside the box and vision to match picked out Vieira for his goal.
Martin Odegaard (for Xhaka, 58mins) – 7
His introduction came at an important time as both Xhaka and Arsenal were beginning to lose their intensity.
He allowed the Gunners to put their foot on the ball and dictated play effortlessly.
Bukayo Saka (for Marquinhos, 58mins) – 5
Not given too many opportunities to run at the Bodo backline and looked much more effective with Ben White behind him.
Ben White (for Tierney, 70mins) – 6
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Looks an accomplished right-back these days and contributed in defence and attack as he has done all season.
Reiss Nelson (for Nketiah, 82 mins) – 5
Had one goalscoring opportunity but his rustiness showed as his shot was deflected over despite having time and space.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
