Arsenal produced a performance of the highest quality as Mikel Arteta’s men claimed an impressive 4-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday. Having named a strong line-up to face the Bundesliga champions, the Gunners took an early lead and never looked back.
Oleksandr Zinchenko gave Arsenal the lead with a well-worked goal after eight minutes. It was 2-0 less than a minute later, with Leandro Trossard showing fine skill to slot home after some sublime play inside the box.
Gabriel Jesus became the next player to add his name to the scoresheet shortly before the interval as Arteta’s men dominated proceedings. Kai Havertz added a fourth in the second half before Adam Hlozek scored a late consolation for the visitors.
Express Sport gives a detailed assessment of the performances from Arsenal following their impressive win…
David Raya: 7/10
Didn’t have a single shot to keep out in the first half, but the Spanish goalkeeper’s passing and general distribution was faultless.
Ben White: 7/10
Quiet by his standards, but the right-back didn’t have a lot to do other than build play from the back. Might have more involvement going forward when Saka returns to the team.
William Saliba: 7/10
Despite not having as much time to get fit as his team-mates, the Frenchman looked fresh in judging his clearances and blocks, as many would expect from one of the Premier League’s finest defenders. Short of fitness, so no surprise to see him replaced.
Gabriel: 7/10
Made a couple of smart blocks to deny Florian Wirtz a way through the middle and looked strong in the challenge. Kept Amine Adli in his back pocket.
Oleksandr Zinchenko: 9/10
Produced a brilliant strike to open the scoring after sweeping home into the bottom corner. He didn’t neglect his defensive duties either and looked very solid at left-back, to the extent that Riccardo Calafiori will have a job dislodging him. Earned a rest for the second half.
Jorginho: 7/10
Kept the midfield play ticking along nicely and filled the void at the back in a quarter-back role when Gabriel or Saliba stepped into midfield. The Italian looked more comfortable in that role then when Declan Rice plays.
Kai Havertz: 9/10
The German made a fine run into the left channel to meet Gabriel’s pass and his cutback to Zinchenko for the goal was inch-perfect. In the second half, he switched to a more attacking role as the central striker and made it count with a fine finish of his own.
Martin Odegaard: 7/10
Used to being Arsenal’s creator-in-chief, the Norwegian took a backseat role as Trossard pulled the strings. But his passing and vision still posed a threat to the nervy Leverkusen backline.
Fabio Viera: 6/10
An inauspicious display from the Portuguese midfielder, who was handed a start in the Bukayo Saka role while the Gunners star waits for his return to action. Taken off at half time.
Leandro Trossard: 9/10
Pressed high to win the ball off Aleix Garcia and the composure he showed inside the box was exemplary, as the Belgian made it 2-0 inside 10 minutes. Arteta will know the 28-year-old has tremendous value in this team. Dropped deep at times to help build through the midfield and Leverkusen couldn’t handle his creative exploits.
Gabriel Jesus: 8/10
Looked lively with his movement early on and showed good awareness to pull off a dummy for Zinchenko to score. The Brazilian was also involved in the build-up for Trossard’s strike and played like he had a point to prove amid links to Victor Osimhen. He will feel like he proved it with a precise 20-yard effort to make it 3-0. Earned himself a break for the second half.
Subs
Bukayo Saka (on 45′): 7/10
Slid in a dangerous cross into the box which found its way to Havertz and generally looked like he enjoyed his football. Some vital minutes underneath his belt ahead of the new season opener.
Declan Rice (on 45′): 6/10
Operating in a box-to-box role, he looked every bit the energetic operator that he normally is despite only returning to training recently. Slipped on the ball at a crucial moment.
Jakub Kiwior (on 45′): 5/10
The Pole was moved into the centre-back position and lost Hlozek for the Leverkusen goal.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (on 45′): 7/10
The 17-year-old was handed a surprise chance to impress and looked tidy on the ball. Performed a delightful pirouette to show his confidence.
Thomas Partey (on 63′): 5/10
Laboured and sloppy in midfield, his best days look beyond him.
Ethan Nwaneri (on 63′): 6/10
The youngster tried to get involved in the final third but was a little isolated on the left.
Ayden Heaven (on 70′): 6/10
The exciting teenager didn’t put a foot wrong at the back.
Eddie Nketiah (on 70′): 5/10
Very little came off for the striker.
Joshua Nichols (on 70′): 6/10
A lively presence at right-back when linking up with Saka.
Gabriel Martinelli (on 81′): N/A
