Mikel Arteta gave key press conference updates in the game against Shakhtar Donetsk and the Gunners soldiered on without Bukayo Saka for yet another game. In the end, one shoddy goal was good enough to settle the contest.
Without further ado, here are the player ratings.
Defense
David Raya – Was relatively untroubled but he made a wonderful save late from a Shakhtar forward to keep the lead intact. (7)
Ben White – Played well before his half time substituted at half time. I hope he’s okay. (6)
Gabriel – Made a couple of interceptions and recoveries. (7)
William Saliba – Had a great game and will be huge miss on Sunday. (7)
Riccardo Calafiori – Had a good stint at the left but suffered what looked like a nasty injury. (7)
Midfield
Thomas Partey – Ticked along really nice in midfield and made some key passes to progress the ball. (7)
Declan Rice – Was industrious in midfield and worked hard as expected. (7)
Leandro Trossard – Looked out of sorts and spurned a great chance from the spot. (5)
Forwards
Gabriel Jesus – Had an average game by his fair standards before he was yanked off. (6)
Gabriel Martinelli – Played one of his best games in a long while. (8)
Kai Havertz – Worked with his build up play but failed to create any considerable threat. (6)
Arsenal FC v FC Shakhtar Donetsk Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal FC crosses the ball during the Arsenal FC v FC Shakhtar Donetsk UEFA Champions League Round 1 match at the Emirates Stadium, London, England, United Kingdom on 22 October 2024 Editorial use only. All images are copyright Every Second Media Limited. No images may be reproduced without prior permission. Copyright: xIMAGO/EveryxSecondxMediax ESM-1178-0054
Substitutes
Mikel Merino – Added some support to the midfield following his introduction. (7)
Raheem Sterling – Didn’t do much following his introduction. (6)
Myles Lewis-Skelly – Had a couple of good touches and inverted well. (6)
