Arsenal player ratings vs Manchester City: Two players receive 3/10
Manchester City secured a 2–0 victory over Arsenal in the EFL Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, lifting the first trophy of the season.
Nico O’Reilly broke the deadlock for City just after the hour mark, capitalising on an error from Kepa Arrizabalaga to head the ball into the net.
The 21-year-old struck again four minutes later, arriving at the back post to nod past the former Chelsea goalkeeper and double City’s advantage.
The victory crowned Manchester City as League Cup champions and reduced Arsenal’s possible silverware tally this season to three competitions.
In this article, we rate the performances of the Arsenal players in their defeat to Manchester City.
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 3/10
The Spanish goalkeeper was selected ahead of first-choice shot-stopper David Raya following his strong performances in the League Cup.
However, the former Chelsea goalkeeper endured a difficult outing, committing a costly error that gifted Manchester City the opening goal.
Throughout the match, he looked uncertain in key moments, a display that ultimately contributed to City’s victory.
William Saliba – 6/10
Saliba delivered another solid defensive display, particularly in his duels with Erling Haaland.
The French defender remained composed and physically strong, both on the ground and in the air, doing well to keep the Norwegian striker largely quiet.
Gabriel Magalhães – 5.5/10
Gabriel complemented Saliba well in defence, helping to contain Haaland for large periods.
The Brazilian centre-back was dominant aerially and defensively in the first half but struggled to maintain the same level of performance after the break.
Ben White – 3/10
White was handed a starting role as a replacement for Jurrien Timber, but the England defender had a difficult evening.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion player struggled defensively and found it hard to cope with the pace and trickery of Jeremy Doku.
Piero Hincapié – 4/10
Hincapié also delivered an underwhelming display, particularly against the threat posed by Antoine Semenyo.
The Ecuadorian defender was booked in the first half and appeared cautious afterwards, which affected his overall performance.
Declan Rice – 5/10
Rice worked tirelessly in midfield but struggled to influence the game offensively.
The England international was unable to assert control in the middle of the park as City’s midfield, led by Rodri and Bernardo Silva, dominated proceedings.
Martin Zubimendi – 5/10
Zubimendi also found it difficult to impose himself in midfield.
The former Real Sociedad star struggled under the pressure of City’s midfield unit and failed to dictate the tempo of the game.
Kai Havertz 3.5/10
The German forward was included in the starting lineup following the absence of Eberechi Eze.
However, Havertz found it difficult to link up with the midfield and had little impact on the game, delivering a largely ineffective performance.
Bukayo Saka – 4.5/10
Saka endured a frustrating evening against Nico O’Reilly.
The England winger struggled to get past his marker and offered little defensive support to limit O’Reilly’s influence on the flank.
Leandro Trossard – 4/10
The Belgian forward had little impact on the game and was largely ineffective in attack before being substituted late on for Gabriel Martinelli.
Viktor Gyökeres – 4.5/10
Gyökeres produced another disappointing display in attack, frequently losing possession against the defensive pairing of Abdukodir Khusanov and Nathan Aké.
The Swedish striker struggled to make a meaningful impact.
SUBSTITUTE
Riccardo Calafiori – 5/10
Calafiori came on in the second half to replace the struggling Hincapié.
The Italian defender nearly pulled one back for Arsenal, but his effort narrowly missed the target.
Noni Madueke – 5/10
Madueke added pace and energy to Arsenal’s attack after coming on for Kai Havertz.
Despite his efforts, the Gunners were unable to break down City’s resilient defence.
Gabriel Martinelli – Not Rated
Martinelli replaced Trossard late in the match but did not have enough time to make a significant impact.
Gabriel Jesus – Not Rated
Jesus was introduced in the final minutes as Arsenal pushed for a comeback but had limited time to influence the outcome.
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