Arsenal player ratings: Raya the hero, but Saliba struggles in thriller
DAVID RAYA showed exactly why Mikel Arteta was so keen to sign him as his penalty saves sent Arsenal into the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
He was joined in his penalty heroics by Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, all of whom showed nerves of steel to convert their penalties.
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However, the Gunners had to dig deep to get there after losing the first leg 1-0 in Porto this evening to make for an uphill battle.
When Leandro Trossard put the Gunners ahead it looked like they would easily get a second and perhaps even more.
But it was not to be: Porto were brutal and fortified themselves into an impenetrable base.
But ultimately the Gunners showed composure when it mattered most and their fans will be eagerly awaiting the identity of their opponents in the last eight.
This is how the Arsenal players rated…
David Raya-10
Little to do initially other than watch a couple of long-range Porto players whiz past his post, but he looked composed on the ball and his distribution was as consistent as ever.
But what he did during the shoot-out was special. Two saves of the highest quality to send his team through to the quarter-finals.
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Ben White-7
His telepathy with Bukayo Saka wasn’t quite there in the first half, struggling to get into as many attacking positions as he has in recent weeks.
Improved after the break. Arteta’s Mr Reliable made a real change.
Willem Saliba-6
Perhaps the 22-year-old showed some nerves on such a big stage, guiding long balls into danger while having time to touch the ball twice before picking up an unnecessary yellow card in the 38e minute.
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Gabriel – 7
Showed some much-needed resilience with his partner with a yellow card for most of the match. The only disappointment was his lack of effectiveness when attacking set pieces – a real strength of his game this season.
Jakub Kiwior-8
Another solid performance in a position that doesn’t come naturally to him.
Ironically, he now looks to be Arsenal’s first left-back. His positioning and coverage were fantastic, including a huge goal-saving tackle in his own penalty area.
Jorginho-7
There has been some steel and experience added to this midfield, as well as some composure in the first half as Arsenal became frustrated in and out of possession.
He looked tired as the game went on and Arteta was right to take him off when he did.
Declan Rice – 8
Lung pain to the end, galloping from box to box, but his chances to fire in for a scoring chance were few and far between given the nature of the game.
Seemed to enjoy dictating from deep at times in a leadership role when Arsenal needed it.
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Martin Odegaard-8
He looked even more excited than usual. His pressure was tireless, giving his side an early lead, before providing a beautifully weighted assist to set up Leandro Trossard on the tee.
Was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet in the second half after his adorable stud was sent off for a major foul in the build-up.
Bukayo Saka-7
Was kicked to pieces from the opening minute, but his blistering pace wreaked havoc on the right side and gained further joy by threatening the goal later in the match.
But ultimately he was very wasteful when the odds fell his way.
Kai Havertz-7
Did a lot of the dirty work up top and almost forced the goal to make it 2-0 but was adjudged to push Pepe in the back before Odegaard converted.
Leandro Trossard-7
He seemed to be slightly off the pace until his brilliant finish in the corner just before the break. Then faded again, but was instructed by Arteta to stay on the left.
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Subs
Gabriel Jesus (on for Jorginho 83′) – 7
Had a great chance shortly after coming on, but his effort from a tight angle was well saved by Porto keeper Diogo Costa. Made a great impression and looked lively.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (in for Jakub Kiwior 106′) – 5
Was brought in to bring calmness and a bit of maturity, but struggled to do both, as well as being clumsy on the ball in the wrong areas.
Eddie Nketiah (in for Leandro Trossard 106′) – 6
Saka received a deft pass into the penalty area that should have been completed late in stoppage time.