Arsenal player ratings: Bukayo Saka shines vs Wolves but Leandro Trossard makes case for Kai Havertz to start instead
ARSENAL survived a late Wolves rally to claim a vital win that takes them four points clear at the top of the Premier League.
The Gunners dominated the first half, and led 2-0 inside 13 minutes thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.
Matheus Cunha scored after the break – but it proved not enough for Wolves as the game ended 2-1.
It moves Arsenal four points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Here is how SunSport‘s Sam Dymond rated the performances.
David Raya – 6
A quiet afternoon for the Spanish stopper until Cunha’s late stunner.
Had made a brave save in first half injury time to deny Hwang.
Takehiro Tomiyasu – 7
Got forward well to support Saka all afternoon until succumbing to injury. Replaced late on by White as a precaution.
William Saliba – 7
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Cruised through the game with his usual graceful poise. Until he was cautioned for wrestling Hwang to the floor, that is.
Gabriel – 7
Solid for most of the contest in dealing with the challenge of Cunha.
Could have sealed the game before the break with a close-range header.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7
Some questionable defensive moments including in the build-up to the Wolves consolation, but such an asset in attack.
His movement and one-touch football was pivotal in creating an excellent Odegaard goal.
Martin Odegaard – 8
Another captain’s performance from Arsenal’s pass master.
Rarely put a foot wrong, and was always the most likely to unlock the Wolves defence.
Declan Rice – 7
Flourished when getting forward, particularly in the first half.
Kept busy at times when required to track back to keep pace with Cunha and Bellegard.
Leandro Trossard – 6
Struggled at times after slotting back into a midfield three. Guilty of missing clear-cut opportunities in either half.
Bukayo Saka – 8
Showed real composure to get Arsenal up and running in the third minute with the club’s 100th goal of 2023.
Almost bettered his opener with a stunner from long range in the second half.
Gabriel Jesus – 8
Fluffed his lines in front of goal, but his all-round attacking play was otherwise excellent.
His unselfish play continues to allow others to thrive.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7
His incisive runs caused the Wolves defence a number of problems, but often the final ball was lacking.
However, he showed real tenacity when helping out his defence.
Subs:
Eddie Nketiah – 6
Failed to make an impression after his introduction, but should have finished Wolves off when hitting the post after being put clean through.
Kai Havertz – 6
Showed the good and bad sides of his game despite just 20 minutes on the pitch.
Ben White – 6
A fine replacement for the injured Tomiyasu, and could well be needed in the coming weeks.
Jorginho – 6
Thrown on in injury time to help see out the game with his experience.
Jakub Kiwior – 6
A defensive reinforcement in the final seconds when Wolves were throwing caution to the wind.