Arsenal player ratings: David Raya the hero but William Saliba shows his nerves in Champions League thriller
DAVID RAYA showed exactly why Mikel Arteta was so keen to bring him in as his penalty saves spurred Arsenal into the Champions League quarter-finals.
He was joined in his penalty heroics by Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice who all showed nerves of steel to convert their spot kicks.
The Gunners had to dig deep to get there though, facing an uphill battle tonight having lost the first leg in Porto 1-0.
When Leandro Trossard gave the Gunners the lead it looked as though they would go on to grab a second and maybe more with ease.
But it wasn’t to be, Porto were gritty, and fortified themselves into an unbreachable base.
In the end though, the Gunners showed composure when it mattered most and their fans will be eagerly awaiting the identity of their opponents in the last eight.
Here’s how the Arsenal players rated…
David Raya – 10
Very little to do except watch a few long-rangers from Porto whizz past his post, but looked calm on the ball and his distribution was as consistent as ever.
But what he did in the shoot-out was special. Two saves of the highest quality to send his side through to the quarter finals.
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Ben White – 7
His telepathy with Bukayo Saka was not quite there in the first half and struggled to get into as many attacking positions as he has been over the past couple of weeks.
Improved after the break. Arteta’s Mr Reliable put in a real shift.
William Saliba – 6
Perhaps the 22-year-old showed some nerves on such a big stage, heading long balls into danger when he had time to touch it down on two occasions before picking up a needless yellow card in the 38th minute.
Gabriel – 7
Showed some much-needed resilience with his partner on a yellow card for most of the match. The only disappointment was his lack of effectiveness from attacking set-pieces – a real strength of his game this season.
Jakub Kiwior – 8
Yet another solid display in a position that is not natural to him.
Ironically, he now looks like Arsenal’s first choice left-back. His positioning and covering was superb, including a massive goal-saving tackle in his own box.
Jorginho – 7
Added some steel and experience to this midfield, as well as some composure in the first half when Arsenal were being frustrated in and out of possession.
Looked tired as the game wore on and was right of Arteta to bring him off when he did.
Declan Rice – 8
Lung-busting until the end, galloping from box to box but his chances to dart in for a goal scoring opportunity were rare given the nature of the game.
Looked to enjoy dictating from deep at times in a leadership role when Arsenal needed it.
Martin Odegaard – 8
Looked even more revved up than usual. His pressing was tireless, creating early inroads for his side before a beautifully weighted assist to tee up Leandro Trossard.
Was so unlucky not to get on the scoresheet in the second half after his cute dink was ruled out for a harsh foul in the build-up.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Was kicked to shreds from the first minute but his blistering pace wreaked havoc down the right, and got more joy in terms of threatening the goal later in the game.
But ultimately, he was very wasteful in front of goal when chances fell to him.
Kai Havertz – 7
Did a lot of the dirty work up top and almost forced the goal to make it 2-0 only to have been judged to shove Pepe in the back before Odegaard converted.
Leandro Trossard – 7
Looked slightly off the pace until his brilliant finish into the corner just before the break. Faded away again after that, but was entrusted by Arteta to remain on the left.
Subs
Gabriel Jesus (on for Jorginho 83′) – 7
Had a great chance moments after coming on but his effort from a tight angle was well smothered by Porto keeper Diogo Costa. Made a big impact and looked lively.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (on for Jakub Kiwior 106′) – 5
Was brought on to bring composure and a bit of maturity, but struggled to do both, as well as being clumsy on the ball in the wrong areas.
Eddie Nketiah (on for Leandro Trossard 106′) – 6
Teed up Saka with a deft pass in the box that should have been finished late in injury time.