Arsenal player ratings: Odegaard only shining light as Declan Rice anonymous amid defensive horror show

9 months ago 73

ARSENAL lost 2-0 to Premier League rivals Manchester United following a disappointing performance in the US.

The Gunners took on United at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and failed to put replicate their dominant display against the MLS All-Stars on Wednesday.

The Red Devils opened the scoring in the half-hour mark with a powerful long-range shot that Aaron Ramsdale failed to hold onto.

Gabriel Mahalhaes and Takehiro Tomiyasu also took too long to close Fernandes down.

United doubled their lead just seven minutes later when Gabriel lost possession in midfield and that allowed Jadon Sancho to break through and beat Ramsdale with a clinical finish.

But who stood out and who struggled for Arsenal? SunSport’s Kostas Lianos rates every single player at MetLife Stadium:

AARON RAMSDALE – 4

Couldn’t inspire the same level of confidence between the sticks like he did against the MLS All-Stars. Carries responsibility for Bruno Fernandes’ goal.

JURRIEN TIMBER – 5

Very few moments of brilliance from the summer signing, who started at right-back. But Timber showed he could form a good partnership with Bukayo Saka

WILLIAM SALIBA – 5

Struggled during Manchester United’s counter-attacks. Mikel Arteta expected more from his star cntre-back.

GABRIEL MAGALHAES- 2

Carries responsibility for both goals as he failed to mark Fernandes during his run and was the one that gave the ball away before Jadon Sancho’s strike.

TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU – 3

Struggled throughout the first half and was rightfully taken off at half-time. Also carries responsibility for Fernandes’ goal as he didn’t mark him on time – was playing out of position at left-back.

DECLAN RICE – 5

Arsenal fans will be expecting much more from their club record signing this coming season. Failed to anchor Arsenal’s midfield and was mostly anonymous throughout the match – early days, though.

KAI HAVERTZ – 5

Also uninspiring, just like his other two fellow summer arrivals. Played on the left in midfield and couldn’t cause United much problems.

MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6

Probably the best of the worst, but not by much. Showed some moments of brilliance and almost got Arsenal back in the game with a clever through-ball from a free-kick only for Eddie Nketiah to miss from close range.

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BUKAYO SAKA – 5

Showed he could form a good partnership with Timber on the right. But was a far cry from his dominant performance against the All-Stars where he amassed two assists.

GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 5

Largely anonymous for Arsenal during both halves. Couldn’t create any significant dangers on the left for either United right-back.

EDDIE NKETIAH – 4

Had a perfect chance to put Arsenal back in the game when he missed from close range after a brilliant through pass by Odegaard. Will have to do a lot more to take Gabriel Jesus’ place.

SUBS:

KIERAN TIERNEY – 5

Did better than Tomiyasu on the left but didn’t add any significant spark. Probably waiting to leave during the summer transfer window.

GABRIEL JESUS – 5

Didn’t add anything significant after coming off the bench. But he doesn’t need to stress about his place yet…

BEN WHITE – 5

Didn’t add much more in defence but kept United at bay. Far fewer leaks on the right than there were on the left.

THOMAS PARTEY – 5

Failed to create any confidence in midfield after his inclusion during the second half. Partey’s future is still uncertain.

JORGINHO – 5

Nothing much from the midfielder. Jorginho and Partey failed to limit United’s attacks after their introduction in the second half.

LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4

Scored an incredible goal against the MLS All-Stars and dominated during Arsenal’s first game of their US tour. Couldn’t emulate any of that against United but came back from a knock he suffered against the All-Stars.