Arsenal player ratings vs Sunderland as David Raya proves world class status with three 8/10s

· FootballLondon

Here is how football.london rated the Arsenal performances against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light

Arsenal claimed a humongous away victory at Sunderland, avenging the late Brian Brobbey equaliser from last season.

The Gunners could have taken the lead in the first half twice after chances for Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz failed to be executed. But the momentum would swing the home side’s way with Ezri Konsa giving away a penalty on Dan Ballard.

However, a heroic save from David Raya, tipping the shot onto the post, would swing that pendulum right back. Because moments later, Bruno Guimaraes was curling a strike into the top right corner.

Arsenal then were in for the long haul to try and do what they failed to do last season. Raya again was huge but could have been relieved if Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber had different fortunes with chances at the other end of the pitch.

A goal in the 96th minute would indeed come... but for Arsenal. Bukayo Saka scoring from the penalty spot.

Here is how football.london rated the performances:

David Raya – A brilliant save to deny Enzo Le Fee from the penalty spot, tipping the strike low to his left onto the post. A late save too tipping the ball up that looked like it was destined to go in. 9

Ben White – Endured a tricky half, getting caught out on separate occasions, as Nilson Angulo caused the full-back all kinds of problems. Seemed to suffer a groin issue however, and was brought off at the break. 4

Ezri Konsa – Gave away the penalty, which was thankfully saved, but it was a soft one the referee gave. 7

Gabriel – Some heroic moments late in the second half with the pure desire to claim victory. 8

Riccardo Calafiori – All over the place, not in his performance, but the pitch as we have always come to expect from him. But like Gabriel was throwing himself at everything to save the game. 7

Declan Rice – Found the gorgeous pass over to Saka in the first half, but it was his vision to spot the free Guimaraes for the goal, adding another open-play assist to his season. Brilliant defensively on the night too, and looked at his best. 8

Myles Lewis-Skelly – Was frustrating in the first half, be that through lost possessions or just a lack of urgency in moments where it was needed and he too was brought off at the break. 4

Martin Odegaard – Deserved at least an assist on the night and should have had one from the pass in the second half to Saka. Another very good display. 8

Bukayo Saka – Had a great chance early on after Rice’s ball into the box, but couldn’t find the touch. Was set in by Odegaard for a one-on-one with the scores one to the good for the Gunners, but Roefs saved.

He redeemed himself a little late on as he won a penalty from Reinildo, who got a second yellow for his effort. And subsequently scored the spot kick too. 7

Kai Havertz – Had a great chance after a cut-back from Odegaard gave him a shot at goal, but he got it all wrong and skewed it over. Worked extremely hard but couldn’t find the impact of previous games. 6

Christos Tzolis – Wasn’t able to be too effective from an attacking sense but defensively is where his value came. Sliding in and winning ground duels well. 6

Substitutes:

Jurrien Timber – Thought he’d scored but was sadly in an offside position. Great to see him back on the pitch. 7

Bruno Guimaraes – That is how you make your mark! A fantastic strike from the edge of the box, and one he would enjoy to the absolute maximum. Nearly added a second. 8

Martin Zubimendi – Came on and fought hard to claim the points. Some great timed duels won. 6

Eberechi Eze – Needed to work defensively at the game state he entered the fray. 6

Mikel Merino – Coming on to help try to see out the game. n/a

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