Full player ratings as Arsenal beat Man United in late London thriller

ARSENAL 3-1 MAN UTD

Declan Rice popped up at the death to win a thriller in North London. Our full Arsenal and Man United player ratings reflect on that topsy-turvy nature of the game.

Alejandro Garnacho thought he had won it for United but VAR judged his goal offside. Minutes later, it was Arsenal overjoyed after a deflected Declan Rice winner.

United rattle Gunners after absorbing pressure

It was all Arsenal for the opening 25 minutes, but a break initiated by Christian Eriksen saw United hit the front.

Marcus Rashford was always going to cut inside but, when he did, the Gunners defence could still not handle it, nor could Aaron Ramsdale:

Marcus Rashford with a GEM of a goal to put Man Utd ahead at Arsenal! pic.twitter.com/LLg6R2y7ZT

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 3, 2023

That was the first shot on target from either side, and it was enough to put United in front. That lead did not last long, though.

Indeed, 35 seconds after the restart, Arsenal steamed forward and Gabriel Martinelli picked out Martin Odegaard, who powered a low shot home.

And just like that Arsenal are back in it! 😲

Martin Ødegaard leading by example for the Gunners 🫡

GAME ON! 😃 pic.twitter.com/n1mA0U6PFJ

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 3, 2023

Declan Rice wins it, Gabriel Jesus seals it

The best chance of the opening stages in the second half arrived after 55 minutes when Ramsdale denied Anthony Martial and Rashford’s rebound was deflected wide.

There was a moment of controversy, around 60 minutes in, when Kai Havertz thought he had won the home side a penalty. Anthony Taylor awarded the spot-kick but was sent over to the pitch-side monitor and overruled his initial call, much to Arsenal’s chagrin.

With two minutes to spare, Alejandro Garnancho thought he had clinched the game for United but his goal was ruled offside after a VAR check. It was marginal but Gabriel had halted just in time.

The final chance fell to Declan Rice and he fired home, with his shot deflecting past Andre Onana. Gabriel Jesus sealed victory with the final kick of the game, leaving United shell-shocked.

Full Arsenal and Man United player ratings

Here’s how we rated both sets of players at The Emirates today:

MAN UNITED PLAYER RATINGS

Onana – 6

Saw an awful lot of the ball in the opening 25 minutes but his passing was cool. Booked after stalling on a few goal-kicks. Blocked Saka’s low shot with his legs. Winner was deflected by him.

Wan-Bissaka – 6

Had a right ding-dong with Martinelli, all day. Stepped across Havertz, although the German trailed his leg to exaggerate the contact.

Lindelof – 7

Could have been red-carded after nearly taking Nketiah’s head off. Blocked a goal-bound Saka shot.

Martinez – 7

Save the day, early on, to deny Nketiah with a sliding interception. Had a solid outing but went off injured, midway through the second half.

Dalot – 8

Poor header put United in early trouble. Made good back-post clearance, soon after. Sergio Regilòn may be doing well to get any starts at fullback.

Casemiro – 5

Game seemed to pass him by for long stretches. Did a bit of tidying up but lacked any real midfield thrust or dominance.

Eriksen – 6

Great interception, drive and super pass to set up Rashford for his goal. Got back and made a few important defensive contributions.

Bruno Fernandes – 6

Took the ball off Wan-Bissaka when a clear shot was on. Some good moments but Arsenal bossed possession.

Antony – 6

Flattered to deceive (yet again) in the opening 45 minutes. Chased back hard to shut down one Arsenal attack. Gets a couple of marks for his defensive shift but he was poor in attack.

Rashford – 7

Stunning opener for United after cutting inside to hammer home. Had a good sighter in the second half but Saliba blocked his shot. Forced a corner after another shot was deflected wide.

Martial – 5

Came back to help out, at one stage, and caused havoc. Typical Martial performance – cruised about and operated at around 75%.

SUBS:

Maguire (for Martinez ’66) – 5

Hojlund (for Martial ’66)  – 6

Overran one forward run. Made a difference up front.

Evans (for Lindelof ’84) – 5

Garnacho (for Antony ’84) – 6

Thought he had clinched it but was narrowly offside.

ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS

Ramsdale – 6

Got a hand to Rashford’s shot but could only divert onto the post, on its way in. Good save to deny Martial.

Gabriel – 7

Looked solid in his first game back. Made a couple of strong clearances and enjoyed the tussle with Hojlund. Just got away with halting his track back, meaning Garnacho was offside.

White – 6

Shown up by Rashford for his goal. Did better against the United forward in the second half, coming up with two interceptions.

Saliba – 7

Crucial block to stop a Rashford rebound going in.

Zinchenko – 6

Handled Antony comfortably. Made a few attacking forays.

Odegaard – 8

Swept home an emphatic equaliser. Had another pop in the second half but it was a lot tamer.

Rice – 7

Sat back as that defensive screen and allowed others in midfield to pile forward. Tidy but no huge moments. Then, almost out of nowhere, popped up with the winner.

Havertz – 5

Should have scored, after 13 minutes, but fluffed his lines. Fortunate not to be booked in the first half after two clumsy fouls. Looked to have won his side a penalty but it was overturned after a VAR review.

Saka – 6

Had a good tussle with Dalot. Deservedly carded for a studs-up challenge on Bruno. Shot straight at Onana when he really should have scored.

Nketiah – 7

Caused the United defence plenty of headaches. Hassled, harried and emptied the tank, with some nice touches in attack.

Martinelli – 8

Teed up Odegaard for his equaliser. Had a great battle with Wan-Bissaka and was able to get in a good few crosses. Just wide with a curling effort from 25 yards out.

SUBS:

Tomiyasu (for Zinchenko ’76) – 6

Jesus (for Nketiah ’76) – 7

Fabio Vieira (for Havertz ’76) – 6

Nelson (for Martinelli ’90) – 6

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