- Arsenal’s front three shone and Martin Odegaard pulled the strings in midfield
- Kai Havertz showed Mikel Arteta what he wanted from his new man
- Listen to the latest episode of the Mail Sport podcast Everything starts !
Arsenal returned to the Champions League in resounding fashion with a 4-0 victory over PSV.
Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard scored the goals in a triumphant evening at the Emirates.
From back to front, it was a dominant performance.
William Saliba and Gabriel were stalwarts in central defense and Declan Rice proved why he can be one of the most prized midfielders in Europe.
But the real heroes were Odegaard, Saka and Trossard, who shined brighter than the rest in this clash – not to mention Jesus, who produced a wonderfully composed goal.
Here are Mail Sport’s player ratings, courtesy of Isaan Khan.
Mikel Arteta watched Arsenal claim a 4-0 win over PSV in the Champions League
David Raya — 7
He looked like he had ages on the ball with his feet and showed good work with the ball sliding around in wet conditions.
Ben White — 7
Few attacks took place on this right side due to its positioning. A solid display.
William Saliba — 7.5
No real moment of intervention needed, due to how well the backline formed as a unit.
David Raya showed good work and distribution in wet conditions as he was selected against Aaron Ramsdale.
Martin Odegaard oozed class in the center of the park and performed like a leader for the team
Gabriel — 7.5
Will have been disappointed to deflect a free header at the far post after 26 minutes. Other than that, a great display at the back.
Alexander Zinchenko – 7
He put pressure on his fellow defenders with aerial passes at times, but he posed a threat, as usual, going forward. Also be sure to help with defensive tasks when necessary.
Martin Odegaard — 9
Coolness oozing on the ball and the play flowed together effectively. It was his parried shot that led to the first goal. Scored a well-taken goal in the second half. The performance of a leader.
Declan rice — 7.5
He resolutely guarded the back line and made sure to nullify opposition moves into the middle of the park.
Kai Havertz — 7
This looked more like the performance Mikel Arteta expected from him. Good hold-up play and quick turns to free other players in the final third. Promising signs.
Kai Havertz finally produced the kind of performance Mikel Arteta will expect from him
Bukayo Saka — 9
After eight minutes, he had a shot saved. A few seconds later, he opened his account and that of his team in the Champions League. Then prepare Leandro Trossard for the second. He couldn’t do anything wrong.
Gabriel Jesus – 8.5
His failure on a low cross after 11 minutes was just a warm-up. Got a well-deserved goal and caused nightmares for the back line with pace and dribbling that drew the opposition everywhere.
Léandro Trossard – 9
How can Arteta let him down after this demonstration? A goal and an assist, and I could have had more another night. Flawless.
Reiss Nelson was an impactful substitute and put the ball on a plate for Martin Odegaard’s goal
Submarines
Reiss Nelson – 7
A nice assist for his captain’s goal.
Takehiro Tomiyasu – 6.5
Not much for him to do upon his entry in the 58th minute.
Émile Smith Rowe – 6.5
Ran hard, keen to make an impression, but will have been delighted to get a mini run-out after his lack of playing time.
Fabio Vieira – 7
Animated in a short appearance. Setting up Havertz, whose shot was widely deflected.
Jorginho – 6.5
From his introduction in the 76th minute, the match was already over.