Arsenal player ratings vs Nottingham Forest: Viktor Gyokeres struggles but Declan Rice a bright spark | OneFootball

Gunners were six clear at start of play

The Gunners laboured through the first half and Mikel Arteta made four changes before the hour mark. His side slowly improved but could not get the better of the inspired Matz Sels in the Forest goal.

Arthur Ferridge was on hand at the City Ground to rate Arsenal’s performance...

David Raya 6

Raced some 30 yards off his line to beat Callum Hudson-Odoi to a through-ball in the first-half, but nearly produced a howler as he did the same later in the first half. Distribution was hit and miss, but on the whole a good showing.

Jurrien Timber 5

Helpful in Arsenal’s build-up when inverting into midfield and assured defensively. Lucky not to concede a penalty for a clumsy tackle on Hudson-Odoi, and similarly lucky not to pick up a booking after committing a handful of clumsy fouls.

William Saliba 7

Put his body on the line to deny Igor Jesus a scissor-kick opener. Kept Forest at bay throughout the first half with a rash of professional fouls and was as assured as ever in defence.

Gabriel 7

Composed enough in defence without making any highlight-worthy contributions.

Ben White 6

A quiet day at the office after impressing in the FA Cup earlier this week. Unleashed Saka with some well-placed balls over the top.

Declan Rice 7

Covered every blade of grass and hardly put a foot wrong. Set-piece deliveries were impressive as always.

Martin Zubimendi 6

A productive if quiet performance from the Spaniard, who had scored a brace in the reverse of this fixture. Made some helpful defensive contributions.

Martin Odegaard 4

Had a couple of nice moments going forward but was pretty anonymous. Struggled to get involved and was replaced early in the second half.

Anonymous: Martin Odegaard

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Noni Madueke 5

Was at times wasteful - hit an early corner into the side-netting and attempted one awful shot - but looked relatively dangerous with the ball at his feet.

Viktor Gyokeres 3

Failed to build on his impressive performance at Chelsea. Dropped in between the lines, but was caught in possession multiple times. Struggled to win physical battle with Nikola Milenkovic and flouted a one-on-one shortly before the break.Hooked shortly before the hour mark.

Tough day: Viktor Gyokeres

Mike Egerton/PA Wire

Gabriel Martinelli 4

Struggled to trouble Ola Aina and missed a brilliant chance at an opener as he shot wide from a yard out. Deservedly hooked at the break.

Subs:

Leandro Trossard (Martinelli ‘45) 5

A very quiet showing after coming off the bench at half-time, endemic of a suboptimal attacking performance from his team as a whole.

Bukayo Saka (Madueke ‘56) 6

Teed up Rice for a shot immediately after coming on. Was a considerable improvement on Madueke but lacked both end product and a final ball.

Mikel Merino (Odegaard ‘56) 7

Dictated the play after his introduction and caused Forest problems going forward, but was plainly frustrated by the lack of quality shown by his team-mates.

Gabriel Jesus (Gyokeres ‘56) 6

Was an improvement on Gyokeres and found himself in some good positions, but was not able to change the game how Arteta might have hoped he would.

Eberechi Eze (Zubimendi ‘78) N/A

Not used: Arrizabalaga, Lewis-Skelly, Mosquera, Havertz