Super Eagles-eligible star Ethan Nwaneri put up an impressive performance as the Gunners recorded a 2-1 victory over familiar foes Manchester United in their pre-season clash at the SoFi Stadium.
United took the lead with Rasmus Højlund’s early strike. However, goals from Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli turned the game on its head, securing the win for Arsenal.
Super Eagles-eligible star as the top performer of the game
Here’s how Sports Buddy rated every Arsenal performance:
Karl Hein – 6.5
The Estonian got off to a fantastic start, saving a great shot from Amad Diallo, but it appeared as though he was at fault for Hojlund’s near-post opener.
Ben White: 6.8
The always dependable right-back for Arsenal had a really quiet game. That’s not a bad thing; it simply indicates that he completed his work efficiently and without error.
Heaven Ayden – 6.2
The teenager had a good game but the only blemish in his performance was being directly responsible for the goal conceded after being bullied by Hojlund who proved to be too strong for him to handle.
Timber Jurrien – 7.2
Has Arteta discovered another outstanding center back? Although the Dutch defender was touted as the solution to their left-back woes, it appears that he is a versatile player who can perform well in any position. Timber was solid all through the game, winning duels and making important interceptions.
Alex Zinchenko – 6.4
After coming on as a substitute against Bournemouth in midweek, the versatile Ukraine international was back on the left side of defense and appeared much stronger and more fit moving forward.
Jorginho 6.7
Seldomly makes a mistake and made the most of his opportunity to get some minutes after not starting the midweek game against Bournemouth. Took some time to assist Heaven following his mistake that led to United’s first goal.
Ethan Nwaneri – 8.0
The Super Eagles-eligible star demonstrated once more why he is the young player at Arsenal to watch. At the age of 17, the Premier League’s youngest player ever is so much stronger and better than he was at 15. Nwaneri might make you double-check is age, given his abilities and confidence on the ball. His impressive display was capped with an assist for Jesus’ equalizer.
Martin Odegaard – 6.5
Given that Norway did not qualify for the Euros, he is obviously in better shape than most. The captain of Arsenal once again demonstrated his ability to lead both on and off the field
Leandro Trossard – 6.4
The versatile Belgian forward understands that Arteta has a thing for players that put in a lot of effort for the club and then have a little stardust of talent to sprinkle on top. He didn’t accomplish anything particularly noteworthy in the game, but he did display some of both.
Reiss Nelson – 6.4
The 24-year-old winger made an effort to fill-in for Bukayo Saka on the right side of Arsenal’s attack. However, he still needs to show that he can be trusted by Mikel Arteta when the season begins.
Jesus Gabriel – 7.7
Now that he is back to full fitness, he is enjoying a restful summer after being left off of Brazil’s Copa America roster. A threat to the United defense and he handled his goal effectively.
Substitutions
Kiwior Jakub – 6.2
Came on for Heaven after halftime, and Arsenal’s defense appeared more stable right away.
Salah – 6.2
Appeared to be at ease after another halftime introduction for the outstanding Nwaneri.
Josh Nichols – 6.1
The diminutive full defender, who appeared to be struggling against Bournemouth the previous game, was one of five substitutes brought on during the second half.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6.2
Jorginho was replaced with one of Arsenal’s greatest hopes for the future, who fit right in as a midfield player.
Gabriel Magalhães – 6.3
Came on as a substitute to solidify the defense.
Fabio Vieira – 6.5
Came on for Trossard, primarily playing on the right. He also contributed to Martinelli’s winner.
Partey Thomas – 6.2
After replacing Zinchenko in midfield, he once more looked the part.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7.5
He quickly made an impression after replacing Nelson. The explosive attacker made some excellent wing runs, also crowning his efforts with a well-executed goal.
