Arsenal have just drawn 1-1 with Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
The hosts started very well and controlled the opening exchanges. However, Mikel Arteta’s men grew into the game and dominated the rest of the first half.
Just before half-time, Viktor Gyokeres won a penalty and then converted it in style. In the second half, Julian Alvarez levelled the game from the spot.
Who was your Man of the Match from Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal
Arsenal player ratings vs Atletico Madrid
David Raya: 8/10
David Raya returned to his home country and didn’t have a lot to do. However, he pulled off a fine save to deny Julian Alvarez in the first half and then Ademola Lookman after the break.
Ben White: 3/10
Ben White looks nothing like the player he once was. The Englishman contained Lookman fairly well, but he conceded a penalty that cost Arsenal the win. He didn’t offer much going forward either.
William Saliba: 5.5/10
It was a strange game for William Saliba. He was in control for large parts, but he did make a couple of mistakes that could’ve cost the team. Not at his usual level.
Gabriel Magalhaes: 5/10
It was a shaky start for Gabriel Magalhaes. The Brazilian gave away the ball a few times when he wasn’t under much pressure, which is very unlike him. He got better as the game went on.
Piero Hincapie: 8/10
Piero Hincapie had an eventful start to the game. The Bayer Leverkusen loanee slipped and almost cost his side early on before coming close to scoring at the opposite end. He was solid for the rest of the game and continues to be one of the most reliable players at the club.
Martin Zubimendi: 7/10
Martin Zubimendi has looked a lot better in recent games, and tonight was another step in the right direction. He did well in the middle of the park, provided the pass that led to the penalty and showed his class.
Declan Rice: 7.5/10
Declan Rice was outstanding in the first half, but like his teammates, was below usual level after the break. Still one of Arsenal’s best players.
Martin Odegaard: 5/10
It was a strange game for Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian got on the ball a lot like he usually does, but he failed to create anything meaningful. He should’ve scored in the first half as well, but his shot was blocked.
Who was Arsenal’s worst performer against Atletico Madrid?
Noni Madueke: 3.5/10
It’s the same old story of Noni Madueke. He shows flashes of brilliance that make you go ‘wow’, but his end product struggles continue. That needs to change.
Gabriel Martinelli: 3.5/10
Barely involved in the game once again. Gabriel Martinelli raised his hand calling for the ball more times than he actually received a pass. He got in Hincapie’s way early on that ruined what could’ve been a goal.
Viktor Gyokeres: 7.5/10
Gyokeres showed a lot of heart against Atleti. He worked tirelessly as always, made one incredible run and created a chance for Odegaard and then won and scored a penalty. He should be happy with his display.
Substitutes
Eberechi Eze: 6/10
Eberechi Eze replaced Odegaard after Atletico Madrid’s equaliser. He had some very good touches, but didn’t do enough to influence the game. He won a penalty, but that was overturned by VAR.
Leandro Trossard, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus: 4/10
The trio came on together, but none of them did anything worth mentioning. Not good enough!
Cristhian Mosquera: 6/10
Cristhian Mosquera had a bigger impact than most Arsenal attackers. He unleashed a good strike from outside the box soon after coming on, but his shot was saved well.
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