BREAKING NEWS: He really shocked me today with His performance, throughout my career in Europe I have never for once played against such a dangerously aggressive player like Him before”, Kylian Mbappe named the ONE Arsenal player that really surprised Him Tonight – Not Saka,Not Ødegaard and Not Timber

 

 


Arsenal produced a result for the ages as they stunned Real Madrid 3-0 with Declan Rice scored two brilliant free-kicks.




Sam Dean runs the rule over the performances at the Emirates.


Arsenal (4-3-3)


David Raya


Produced a fine stop to deny the onrushing Mbappe before the break. An assured presence who continues to establish himself as one of Europe’s best.


7/10


Jurrien Timber


So aggressive and powerful in duels, he battled through pain and flew into challenges on the right flank. He must be truly horrible to play against.


8/10




William Saliba


Characteristically unruffled on the big stage. Perhaps aided by his knowledge of Mbappe, his international team-mate. Helped Kiwior through the night.


7/10




Jakub Kiwior


A huge occasion in his Arsenal career and his nerves were obvious. Too loose, too often in the first half but grew into the game after the break.


6/10




Myles Lewis-Skelly


Appeared totally at ease on the biggest night of his professional life. The teenager did what he always does, driving forward and holding off opponents.


8/10




Martin Odegaard


Found it difficult to escape the clutches of Camavinga at times, but was still the man through which Arsenal’s attacks flowed. Constantly fed Saka.


7/10




Thomas Partey


Tidy and composed in midfield, helping to start moves from the base of midfield. Booked in the second half but otherwise an excellent and mature showing.


8/10




Declan Rice


What is there to say about those free-kicks? To do it once is extraordinary enough. To do it twice is ludicrous. Relentless, decisive performance.


9/10




Bukayo Saka


By the end of the first half, he knew he had the beating of Madrid’s left side. After that, he was targeted with rough fouls. Limped off.


8/10




Mikel Merino


Works so hard in this unfamiliar role and genuinely seems to be growing into it. Sweeping, accurate finish capped a selfless display.


8/10




Gabriel Martinelli


Locked in a proper battle with Valverde. Won a few, lost a few. His fierce left-footed drive would have beaten most goalkeepers, but not Courtois.


7/10




Real Madrid (4-4-2)


Thibaut Courtois


Produced some fabulous saves in both halves but will not be remembered for those. Totally beaten, twice, by Rice’s outstanding free-kicks.


6/10




Federico Valverde


A player who can do it all, and he certainly held his own when exposed against Martinelli in defensive situations. He offered very little in attack, though.


6/10




Raul Asencio


Overall, he was unable to manage the unusual threat offered by the out-of-position Merino. Madrid’s defence was scrambling at times.


5/10




Antonio Rudiger


Almost gave Arsenal an early lead by smashing the ball against Camavinga, his own team-mate. Looked uneasy when Saka came inside.


5/10




David Alaba


Became increasingly uncomfortable with the realities of marking Saka. Clearance off the line showed his defensive awareness.


5/10




Rodrygo


The least heralded member of Madrid’s attack and he struggled to have any real impact on this match. Hardly had a sniff.


5/10




Luka Modric


Still going at 39, and still playing those clever disguised passes through the lines. But he simply does not have the legs to keep up with Rice.


6/10




Eduardo Camavinga


A big defensive shift in midfield in the first half, but he lost his grip on the game, as evidenced by his late red card


4/10




Jude Bellingham


Shuffled towards the left flank when Madrid. Produced a fabulous pass for Mbappe’s big chance but was largely out of sight in the second half.


6/10




Kylian Mbappe


The speed and sharpness of his movement terrified the Arsenal defence. Everything he does is quick but he faded after the break.


6/10




Vinicius Junior


Has no defensive responsibilities, instead waiting for the ball at the other end. Curled wide in the first half and then could not get into the game after.


5/10

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