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Arsenal player ratings vs Atletico Madrid as two stars stand out amid semi-final controversy
How football.london rated the Arsenal player performances after the Champions League semi final first leg with Atletico Madrid ended in a draw
View 3 ImagesThe Gunners rode an early wave of Atleti pressure before building into the game and earning themselves some opportunities to stifle the brilliant atmosphere inside the Metropolitano. Piero Hincapie and Martin Odegaard seeing chances in the box come and go.
Mikel Arteta’s side earned their reward for their excellent half as Viktor Gyokeres both won and scored a penalty. Yet in the second half, Atletico earned a spot kick of their own, Marcus Llorente’s shot striking the arm of Benjamin White.
Julian Alvarez stepped up to score against the run of play. This gave momentum to the home side, who shortly after hit the post too, as The Gunners fought to hold onto the scoreline.
Eberechi Eze thought he had won his side a penalty, after being trodden on in the box. Only after the referee had given it, VAR recommended it be overturned instead.
Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players involved:
READ MORE: Arsenal get immediate penalty verdict as Atletico incident 'a stain on Champions League'READ MORE: Arsenal left red-faced as UEFA reject complaint against Atletico Madrid
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David Raya – Beaten from the spot, not much he could do about the strike from Alvarez. Held the shot from Ademola Lookman after some poor defending from his full-back. 7
Ben White – Many will say the right-back was unlucky to give away the penalty, but in UEFA competition, whenever the ball strikes the arm of the player in seemingly any context, it is always given. Beaten in a duel in the box with Lookman that should have been punished. 5
William Saliba – A little too confident in his own half, at one time giving away possession, which thankfully didn’t lead to a chance. But definitely grew into the game, not letting his early mistake define the overall game for him. 7
Gabriel – A goal-saving block from the Brazilian prevented what looked like a certain equaliser from Antoine Griezmann. Otherwise, a good performance from the Brazilian, who kept a calm head in a frenetic atmosphere. 8
View 3 ImagesPiero Hincapie – Had a great early chance, but volleyed over the cross from the right. In the second half, Atleti's shape changed, and Marcus Llorente pushed up on the right, pinning the Ecuadorian back. 7
Martin Zubimendi – Some really nice, confident passing from the Spaniard and battling hard to win the duels too. A big performance in a big game. 7
Declan Rice – Dropped into the deeper role, which allowed Zubimendi to push further up instead. He was excellent in the first half, so many good passes around the corner to set up attacks. Yet in the second half, his influence certainly lessened. 7
Martin Odegaard – Had an early effort blocked after being found in the box by Gyokeres, and was definitely aiding in the Arsenal structure. It was perhaps a little puzzling to see him substituted after the Atletico equaliser. 7
Noni Madueke – A bright start, bursting into the box, and spotted a right-footed cross to the back post, which wasn’t finished off. Had an attempt from outside the box, curling just past the left post. 7
View 3 ImagesViktor Gyokeres – Very good driving run into the Atleti box and the cross to find Odegaard for a big chance. This was a sign of things to come in one of the Swede’s best halves, both earning and scoring a penalty before the break. But was taken off in the second period having not been able to get into the game. 8
Gabriel Martinelli – Definitely a much better performance from the Brazilian on the left, who was patient on the ball and defended, working hard to track back. Faded in the second period. 6
Substitutes:
Eberechi Eze – Came on to replace Martin Odegaard. It was his clear touch, which he believed won his side a penalty, but VAR decided otherwise. 6
Gabriel Jesus – Didn’t really influence the game much more than the man he replaced in the second half, besides better close control and link-up. 5
Bukayo Saka – Still building up his fitness, but was finding some good spaces and connections in his cameo. 6
Leandro Trossard – Was useful in the tight spaces at the end of the game, but didn’t make much of an impact. 5
Cristhian Mosquera – Came on in what was a necessary substitution as White was really struggling. Had an attempt at a goal in an unlikely position, but just stung the gloves of Oblak. 6
Tom Canton
Tom Canton joined football.london as the Arsenal Fan Brand Writer and Presenter before becoming a permanent Arsenal Reporter in 2025. Tom produces plenty of analytical content in addition to breaking stories and is a regular attendee at matches and press conferences. Can also be found on YouTube @TheGoonerTalkTV
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