Ethan Nwaneri and Martin Odegaard shine brightest but two get 5/10 – Arsenal player ratings vs PSV Eindhoven

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Talk of Arsenal’s creativity issues were put to bed as the Gunners thrashed PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.

After two matches with no goals, not many would have predicted that Mikel Arteta’s side would score seven away from home against PSV.

Arsenal ran riot at a ground they dropped points at in the 2023/24 Champions League, on what was a night to savour for Arteta’s young guns. 

Ethan Nwaneri made history by simply starting the game, adding to the record books by scoring a goal crafted by Myles Lewis-Skelly in the first half.

As well as Nwaneri, Jurrien Timber, Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard, Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino found the net to round off a five-star display. 

In a statement victory for the North Londoners, here’s how the players rated. 

Arsenal player ratings vs PSV Eindhoven

David Raya – 6

Raya had an early let off as he parried the ball into PSV’s path in the first half but, redeemed himself by restoring control for the remainder of the contest.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 5

Started the game so brightly with an assist for Nwaneri but saw his night come to a premature end due to an early booking.

Had Lewis-Skelly not been so rash with his tackling, the teenager could’ve seen out a special outing in his budding senior career.

William Saliba – 7

Saliba was assured in defence and made life hard for PSV’s front line, a controlled and professional performance from the Frenchman.

Gabriel Magalhaes – 7

Like his central defensive partner, Gabriel was mostly unfazed by what PSV had to offer on what turned out to be a routine night for the Brazilian.

Jurrien Timber – 7.5

Timber had his work cut out on the right side but the Dutchman also caused PSV problems himself, scoring his first ever Champions League goal to open the scoring. 

Thomas Partey – 4

A slow performance from Partey who cost the Gunners a clean sheet by senselessly conceding a first half penalty. 

Declan Rice – 8.5

Arsenal’s jack of all trades, Rice was there to step up in midfield to be a creative and holding asset for Arteta.

The England international’s crossing was as good as ever, with his all-round game something to admire against PSV.

Martin Odegaard – 9

Finally, Odegaard looked back to his best against PSV as the captain led by example on the playmaking front.

Getting on the scoresheet twice was the icing on the cake for the Norwegian who dazzled in the number ten role, putting on a long overdue show for supporters.  

Leandro Trossard – 8

Trossard has been Arteta’s unsung hero at a time of need and the Belgian’s form continued in the Champions League, finding the back of the net with ease.

Ethan Nwaneri – 9.5

It’s becoming more and more clear that Arsenal might have a generational talent on their hands with Nwaneri. 

The 17-year-old scored and assisted in the Champions League knockouts to heavily influence the game, showing no sign of fear or weakness in a cauldron environment – our clear man of the match. 

Mikel Merino – 7

Arteta decided to stick with his experiment of playing Merino as a striker and the Spaniard’s trust paid off as the midfielder found the back of the net in style.

It was ironically an expert finish from the summer signing, who took advantage when the ball fell to him in the box.

Substitutes

Riccardo Calafiori – 8

Calafiori started the night on the bench but wasn’t a substitute for long as the Italian replaced Lewis-Skelly in the first half.

The left-back came on with inspired energy and added a goal and an assist to his collection, wasting no time making his presence known with two goal contributions.

Kieran Tierney – 6

Tierney combined well with fellow substitute Zinchenko after coming off the bench, the Scotsman’s energy caused problems late on for the already-suffering PSV defenders.