Arsenal player ratings: Saka keeps title hopes alive with crucial goal but Saliba makes rare mistake

ARSENAL kept their title hopes alive with a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest this evening.

The Gunners have struggled at the City Ground in the past, but they eased past Nuno Espirito Santo’s side on this occasion – even though they struggled to find the net at times.

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Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring for Arsenal[/caption]

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Bukayo Saka doubled Arsenal’s advantage[/caption]

After an agonising first half for Mikel Arteta, Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring in the 65th minute from close range.

Bukayo Saka then finished off an excellent counter attack to double the advantage.

Taiwo Awoniyi gave the visitors a fright late in the game, but Arsenal managed to see it through.

Here’s how SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rated the performance.

David Raya – 7

Barely touched the ball during the first half and had very little to do in the second.

Couldn’t have done much to prevent Forest’s goal.

Ben White – 7

Brilliant down the right, especially when linking up with Saka in attack.

William Saliba – 6

Didn’t have too much to do from defence in the first half, but made some important interceptions to break down Forest’s counter attack attempts.

However, he was bullied off the ball by Taiwo Awoniyi before the striker scored for the Reds.

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William Saliba was brushed off the ball by Taiwo Awonyi[/caption]

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Gabriel Magalhaes –7

Like Saliba, didn’t have too much to do in the first half but stepped up when needed in defence.

Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7

His movement gave Smith Rowe more freedom to push forward while Arsenal were on the attack.

Perhaps spent a bit too much time on the ball on some occasions, but recovered well.

His quick thinking while taking a throw-in on the left led to Jesus’ opening goal.

Declan Rice – 7

It wasn’t his best performance, but still a positive display from a player that was a potential doubt for this game due to injury.

Emile Smith Rowe – 7

Looked very lively in his first Premier League start since October. 

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Emile Smith Rowe put on a positive display[/caption]

Martin Odegaard – 7

Played a crucial role in the build-up to Arsenal’s second goal.

Once again pulled the strings and dominated the midfield.

Bukayo Saka – 8

Missed a few chances during the first half but stepped up when needed to seal the three points for Arsenal.

Gabriel Jesus – 8

After missing two fantastic chances to put the Gunners ahead early in the second half, Jesus popped up in the 65th minute with the decisive goal.

It arguably should’ve been saved by ex-Gooner Matt Turner, but Arsenal fans won’t care.

Gabriel Martinelli – 7

Had a habit of slowing down the play by cutting back while on the attack at times.

Arsenal dominated possession

Substitutes

Kai Havertz (for Smith Rowe, 71) – 7

Made an instant impact after coming on when his clearance kicked off Arsenal’s second goal.

Leandro Trossard (for Martinelli, 78) – 7

Almost scored a worldie from distance shortly after coming on following a great run.

Eddie Nketiah (for Jesus, 78) – 6

Didn’t make much of an impact after being introduced.

Jorginho (for Odegaard, 90+2) N/A

Not enough time to make an impact.

Jakub Kiwior (for Zinchenko, 90+2) – N/A

Not enough time to make an impact.