Arsenal player ratings vs Bayer Leverkusen, Eberechi Eze shines and two others get 9/10

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Arsenal are through to the Champions League quarter-finals after beating Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 on aggregate in the round of 16.

After drawing 1-1 in the first leg, Arsenal left themselves with work to do at the Emirates and succeeded.

Eberechi Eze scored his first Champions League goal in style, netting a first-half volley before being joined on the scoresheet by Declan Rice, whose finish was also superb.

It was a night to remember for Mikel Arteta’s side, who played exceptionally well from start to finish, seeing some high scores appear in our player ratings.

• READ MORE: Arsenal fans have plenty to say about Eberechi Eze after his overall performance vs Bayer Leverkusen

David Raya – 6

Raya didn’t have a very busy night, but when he was called into action late on, he produced another superb save to add to his catalogue.

Piero Hincapie – 7

It appears that Hincapie can’t go a single game without producing a monstrous tackle that gets fans off their seats. It was another solid display from the Ecuadorian, who certainly showed his parent club what they’re missing.

William Saliba – 6.5

Saliba is one of the world’s best defenders and showed that against Leverkusen. He was composed and commanding and looked more comfortable than he did in the first leg.

Gabriel Magalhaes – 6.5

Gabriel would’ve walked away wondering how he didn’t score after his flurry of first-half chances. Another assured performance from the centre-back, who is an impenetrable force alongside Saliba.

Ben White – 6

It was great to see White back, and every time he plays, he reminds fans of how impactful his presence is on Saka’s performances. Efficient in attack and made play on the right flow better in general.

Martin Zubimendi – 8

Undoubtedly Zubimendi’s best performance for some time. The midfielder was in a testing patch of form, but he looked rejuvenated and positive against Leverkusen.

Declan Rice – 9

The performance Rice had been waiting for as he put on a passing show and then scored a fantastic goal, winning the ball in midfield before pulling off a tidy finish to take the tie away from Leverkusen. Top class.

Eberechi Eze – 9

Eze had his best performance in an Arsenal shirt against a club aside from Tottenham. The playmaker was close to his brilliant best, with his ridiculous strike capping off a tremendous all-around showing. It’s going to be hard for Martin Odegaard to get back into the starting XI when he returns.

Leandro Trossard – 6.5

It was great to see Trossard back, particularly as he returned from injury with fire in his belly. The Belgian was bright and influential in Arsenal’s attack, showing real maturity and experience.

Bukayo Saka – 9

I thought Arteta could have dropped Saka for this game amid his poor form, but the boss was right to stick by the winger. Playmaking, shooting, dribbling, crossing, you name it, Saka scored highly in every department against Leverkusen. A superb performance. 

Viktor Gyokeres – 8

One criticism of Gyokeres this season has been how he struggles to link with his teammates, but against Leverkusen, the improvement he’s made was so clear. The Swede could have had two assists on the night as he showed his playmaking side in a really encouraging display.

Kai Havertz – 5.5

Havertz came on and thought he’d made the perfect start; however, his immediate goal was correctly disallowed as, while grabbing his marker’s shirt, he knocked the ball into the net with his hand.

Cristhian Mosquera – 5

In a role-reversed passage of play, there was an instance that could have seen Gyokeres assist Mosquera. The right back impressed after coming on to replace the newly returned White. 

Gabriel Martinelli – 5

Martinelli didn’t offer much at all when coming on, but in his defence, the game was won by the time of his introduction.

Christian Norgaard – 5

It was great to see Norgaard get some rare minutes; he deserved them. It was equally as good to see Zubimendi get a rest. Arsenal’s squad depth will be pivotal in these moments of the season.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 5

Lewis-Skelly came on late but made it clear that he wanted to make his mark. A pleasure to see the teen on the pitch again amid a tough run of games without minutes.