Arsenal maintained their unbeaten record in this season’s Champions League with an emphatic victory over Atletico Madrid. The North Londoners had the upper hand throughout the match and proved their superiority with a series of goals in the second half. Just a few minutes later Eberechi Eze came close to hitting the crossbar from the edge of the box.
Julian Álvarez hit the visitors in the lumber in the second half, but it was Arsenal who found a breakthrough, with Gabriel Magalhães nodding the ball past Jan Oblak after Declan Rice’s deft pick-up. At that point the floodgates opened and a few minutes later Gabriel Martinelli curled into the bottom corner. Two goals from Victor Gökeres ensured a point and the Gunners enjoyed a rare European night in front of their fans.
Express Sport rates all of Arsenal’s players following tonight’s emphatic win…
Arsenal player rating vs Atletico Madrid
David Raya – 6
He almost got caught after running towards his goal. It worked fine except for that moment.
Julian Timber – 8
He looked like a threat on the right, as he has all season. He is definitely the best in Europe in his current position.
William Saliba – 7
As always, he was calm and collected on defense. They took advantage of the width of their passes to launch an attack from the back end.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 8
He looked a little shaky against Fulham, but he got back to his usual form tonight and scored brilliantly.
Miles Lewis-Skelly – 6
He played a decent game on the left side of the pitch and was definitely involved in the attacking movements.
Martin Zvimendi – 7
All the grass in the middle was covered. He will be suspended from the game against Slavia Prague after receiving a warning.
Declan Rice – 7
They missed a big chance to take the lead early on, but they scored the goal with a perfect free kick.
Eberechi Eze – 7
A deflected shot early in the match rattled the crossbar. They lacked creativity against Fulham, but they were much better in this game.
Bukayozaka – 8
He was pounded with markers all night and was at the center of most of the attacks. Another great performance.
Gabriel Martinelli – 8
He should have stayed onside due to the goal being called off, but he was a threat throughout the match with a great finish to double Arsenal’s lead.
Victor Gokeres – 8
Worked hard from possession, made some smart runs and was rewarded with two goals, ending his drought in style.
substitute
Cristian Mosquera – 6
He wasn’t really tested but did a good enough job at the back.
Christian Norgaard – 6
We kept moving to watch the game in the middle of the park.
Ethan Nwaneri – 6
When he appeared after the damage was done, he was very lively.
Mikel Merino – N/A
This is a belated addition.
Ben White – N/A
This is a belated addition.
