Arsenal FC player ratings vs Atletico Madrid: Declan Rice outstanding as Viktor Gyokeres ends goal drought

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Arsenal player ratings vs Atletico Madrid: Declan Rice outstanding as Viktor Gyokeres ends goal drought

Gunners blow Atletico Madrid away with ruthless second half performance at the Emirates Stadium

Star man | Declan Rice

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

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Arsenal continued their perfect start to this season’s Champions League with a thumping victory over Atletico Madrid.

Viktor Gyokeres ended his run of seven games without a goal by scoring twice, while Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli were also on the scoresheet.

The Gunners were worthy winners and, after controlling the first-half, they blew Atletico away with four goals after the break.

Arsenal have now won all three of their games in this season’s Champions League and are one of only three sides with a perfect record.

Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal in action...

David Raya 6

So nearly punished for one moment of madness midway through the first-half, where he was way outside his box. A rare error.

Jurrien Timber 8

Surely in the form of his career. Just a colossus - with and without the ball. He must be a nightmare to play against.

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William Saliba 7

Steady stuff from the Frenchman as Arsenal kept yet another clean sheet. Other than Julian Alvarez, the visitors’ attack was stifled.

Gabriel 8

Put Arsenal ahead with a bullet header early in the second-half. Setup Gyokeres for his second with a great header across the six-yard box.

Myles Lewis-Skelly 8

Handed just his third start of the season and put in his best performance of the campaign. Created the second goal with signature driving run forward.

Eberechi Eze 7

Hit the crossbar with a deflected strike inside the first five minutes and created a good chance for Saka with a lovely pass. Promising signs.

Martin Zubimendi 8

He said before this game that the best is yet to come, but how much better can he get? Classy and composed at the base of midfield.

Declan Rice 9 | Star player

Created Gabriel’s goal with a free-kick that David Beckham would have been proud of. Covered so much ground with and without the ball. A monster performance.

Gabriel celebrates with Declan Rice

AFP via Getty Images

Bukayo Saka 7

It is not often he is the quietest of Arsenal’s front-three. Still had a good game, though, and looked a threat - especially in the first-half.

Viktor Gyokeres 8

Ended his goal drought with a brace. Deserved his goals as his overall game, and especially how he linked the play, was impressive.

Gabriel Martinelli 8

Back in the starting XI after coming off the bench in the last two games. Had a goal ruled out for offside in the first-half, but was on the scoresheet after the break with a slick finish.

Substitutions

Ethan Nwaneri (Eze 73’) 6

A brief cameo for the midfielder, who should start next week against Brighton. Needs minutes.

Cristhian Mosquera (Gabriel 73’) 6

On as a precaution for Gabriel, who was stretching his quad at one point.

Christian Norgaard (Zubimendi 73’) 6

Handed a cameo as Arsenal were cruising by this point. Solid.

Mikel Merino (Gyokeres 83’) N/A

Ben White (Timber 83’) N/A

Subs not used: Arrizabalaga, Setford, Calafiori, Hincapie, Trossard

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