Oleksandr Zinchenko awful as Declan Rice stuns – Arsenal ratings vs Brentford
Arsenal failed to make their chances pay as they let slip a lead to draw 1-1 with Brentford on Saturday evening.
Mikel Arteta fielded a heavily rotated side against the Bees, with a focus on the return leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
A tidy pass from Declan Rice allowed Thomas Partey to give Arsenal the lead in the second half.
However, Yoane Wissa responded with a smart finish and the Gunners were unable to find the energy to fight back against their London rivals.
The result now means that Liverpool are just three wins away from securing the Premier League title.
Mikel Arteta’s rotated Arsenal side unable to hang on for win
David Raya – 5
You’ve heard of Mr consistent, now meet Mr inconsistent. The Spaniard deserved an assist for his smart distribution for Arsenal’s goal, but deserved derision for his goalkeeping after Wissa’s equaliser, topsy-turvy, up-and-down, a truly average modern goalkeeper.
Thomas Partey (off for Timer 69′) – 7
Partey has featured at right-back a number of times this season, and this was arguably his best showing. His goal was well taken and the Ghanaian is beginning to learn the offensive side of the position.
William Saliba marshals Arsenal back line
William Saliba – 8
A joy to watch. It’s not often you can say that about a centre-back, but the Frenchman just oozes class, whilst still retaining the bite you want to see from a defender. Real Madrid retain an interest in Saliba. The issue is, who would the Gunners even buy to replace him?
Jakub Kiwior – 7
Continuing to play in place of the injured Gabriel Magalhaes, Kiwior is beginning to look like the centre-back Arsenal wanted him to be when he joined in 2023.
Kieran Tierney (off for Lewis-Skelly 62′) – 6
The hero for just a moment. However, the Premier League’s new semi-automated offside system spoiled the Scotland international’s return to the Arsenal starting line-up, ruling out his goal for offside. Tierney is on his way back to Celtic in the summer, but performed well for the soon-to-be Premier League runner-ups.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (off for Odegaard 62′) – 2
Horrible performance. The former Man City man hasn’t played for some time, and there’s a good chance he won’t play again for Arsenal after his performance against Brentford.
Jorginho – 7
Classy as ever. The Italian is one of the best players not to be playing regularly in the Premier League at the moment, safe with his passing whilst dictating the tempo of those around him. Staggered off injured in the closing stages.
Declan Rice (off for Merino 75′) – 9 – Player-of-the-Match
European hangover? Rice isn’t that kind of Brit abroad. Coming off the back of his unbelievable performance in the 3-0 win over Real Madrid, the ex-West Ham man continued his fine performances by assisting Partey’s opener.
Ethan Nwaneri (off for Saka 63′) – 8
There’s a new Starboy in town. Nwaneri’s explosion onto the scene has been a joy to watch this season. Despite being just a teenager, it feels a waste watching him play with what was ostensibly Arsenal’s B team against Brentford. Next year will be dominated with conversations of Nwaneri or Saka on the right wing. What a joyous problem it will be for Arteta.
Leandro Trossard – 6
Exceptionally average. Trossard is at a point in his Arsenal career where his best impact comes from the bench, however, injuries have forced Arteta’s hand and the ex-Brighton man must start. Not good, but not too bad either.
Gabriel Martinelli absent vs Brentford
Gabriel Martinelli – 4
Martinelli went missing. Having put in strong showings in Arsenal’s previous two fixtures, the Brazilian was utterly absent against Brentford, except for a spat in the tunnel with Christian Norgaard after a bad foul.
Substitutes
Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Tierney 62′) – 7
Looked to take the game by the scruff of its neck after coming on, but his teammates had run out of gas, leading to his efforts being largely in vain.
Martin Odegaard (on for Zinchenko 62′) – 5
Odegaard seems to be flagging a little as the season closes. The Norwegian was off the pace against Real Madrid, and suffered the same issue against Brentford.
Bukayo Saka (on for Nwaneri 63′) – 5
Another runout for the England international, as he looks to continue his recovery from hamstring surgery, had a chance that glanced the post late on, but still looks a little hesitant when taking on a man.
Jurrien Timber (on for Partey 69′) – 5
Brought on to protect the lead, but the Dutchman could do little to stop Wissa’s goal, hardly touched the ball in the closing stages.
Mikel Merino (on for Rice 75′) – 7
It was almost unusual to see Merino in midfield for Arsenal, given his recent run in the side as a striker, but the Spaniard looked comfortable in his cameo.