ARSENAL cruised to a 2-0 victory over French side Lyon in the Emirates Cup in North London.
Defenders William Saliba and Gabriel got on the team-sheet with almost identical goals from two Declan Rice corners, while former Gunner Ainsley Maitland-Niles returned to N5.
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It was a perfect way for Mikel Arteta’s side to wrap up pre-season ahead of the start of the Premier League next weekend.
Here is how Jordan Davies rated Arsenal’s performers from the Emirates Stadium.
DAVID RAYA – 6
Could have sat on the sidelines for most of the game and not conceded.
One hairy moment saw Said Benrahma fluff his lines from a dangerous cross.
His first real save came in the 84th minute after a Jorginho error.
BEN WHITE – 7
Such is his quality and knowledge of his role that he can drift through games comfortably, never caught out of position and rarely makes a mistake.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 8
Composed in both boxes. Barely broke sweat in defence and celebrated a simple headed finish from a corner inside the opening 10 minutes.
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GABRIEL – 8
When he runs in the opposition box at speed, with his power and physicality, there is no one in world football stopping him.
A fine header from a corner after spinning to the back post.
OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO – 7
Dictated on the ball well and pushed high with Lyon struggling to get out. Likely to start against Wolves after a solid pre-season.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7
Quiet but efficient first half. Should have made it 3-0 with a shot just after the break that was well saved.
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DECLAN RICE – 8
Pressing from the front and showcasing his abilities as Arsenal’s corner taker once more, teeing up Saliba and Gabriel in the opening half an hour.
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THOMAS PARTEY – 7
Looks back to his best.
Disruptive in defence and silky with the ball at his feet to spark counters, especially when feeding Saka down the right.
BUKAYO SAKA – 7
Tore Lyon left-back Vinicius Abner to shreds with his darting runs inside and out, having a headed effort saved and another go narrowly wide in the first half.
Smacked the post in the second half. Did everything but score.
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KAI HAVERTZ – 6
Back as a No.9 after playing in midfield in mid-week and was not as effective. Squandered a decent opening in the 53rd minute.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7
A real livewire performance that just lacked some cutting edge and coolness that is needed if he is to start ahead of Leandro Trossard next weekend, wasting several opportunities in the first half.
Subs:
RICCARDO CALAFIORI (Zinchenko, 65) – 6
Pushed forward well when given the chance and put in some crunching tackles.
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GABRIEL JESUS (RICE, 65) – 6
Forced to shake off a painful knock to his left ankle but barely got a sniff with the game winding down.
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