Arsenal player ratings vs Villarreal: Viktor Gyokeres shows signs of promise despite losing in first start

Yahoo

3 days ago

Arsenal suffered their second defeat of pre-season in a row as they were beaten by Villarreal at Emirates Stadium.
The visitor went 2-0 up through former Gunners winger Nicolas Pepe and Karl Etta Eyong, but Christian Norgaard pulled a goal back before half-time.
Arsenal controlled a lot of the possession, however they were hit on the counter as Arnaut Danjuma restored Villarreal's two-goal lead.
Martin Odegaard reduced the deficit by scoring a penalty, which was won by Max Dowman, but Villarreal held on to claim a 3-2 win.David Raya 6
Will be disappointed with the two goals he conceded as Villarreal players were allowed to poke home rebounds.
Ben White 6
Started for the fourth game in a row in pre-season and looks sharp. Overlapped a few times and caused problems.
William Saliba 7
Solid as ever and Arsenal's best defender in the game. The defence has looked suspect at times in pre-season, but the Frenchman has still performed well.
Jakub Kiwior 5
Shaky at times and was brushed off too easily by Pepe for the opening goal. Struggled with Villarreal's pace on the break.
Myles Lewis-Skelly 6
Played much more centrally in the second half and involvement in the game grew. Still looks to be getting up to speed.
Ethan Nwaneri 7
One of Arsenal's better players in the first half and looked bright whenever he got on the ball.
Christian Norgaard 7
Got on the scoresheet by heading home at the back post from a corner. Broke up the play well during a solid performance.
Mikel Merino 6
Neat and tidy, but nothing spectacular. Created a decent opening for Gyokeres with a good through-ball.
Bukayo Saka 6
Drew a save in the first half after a run and cut in from the right. Linked up nicely with White at times.
Viktor Gyokeres 6
Handed his first start and was quiet. Will take time to get on the same wavelength as his new team-mates, as more than once he made runs and wasn't found.
Gabriel Martinelli 5
Has not got going in pre-season and this was another frustrating performance. Assisted Norgaard's goal with a corner, but in open play his final ball was lacking.
Substitutions
Martin Zubimendi (Norgaard 46') 7
Looks like such a classy player. Played some great passes and oozed composure.
Cristhian Mosquera (White 46') 6
Spent 15 minutes at right-back before moving to the heart of defence.
Martin Odegaard (Gyokeres 63') 7
Slotted his penalty by sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. Helped lift the tempo and combined well with Dowman.
Max Dowman (Saka 63') 7
Just ridiculous that he is 15. Looked really bright and won a penalty with a deft flick.
Kepa Arrizabalaga (Raya 63') 6
Arguably should have come off his line to close down Danjuma for his goal, but it was a good finish.
Jurrien Timber (Saliba 63') 6
Made his first appearance since May and did okay considering the lack of game time.
Gabriel (Kiwior 63') 6
Understandably rusty after months out of action. Got some valuable minutes under his belt.
Declan Rice (Nwaneri 63') 6
Added some athleticism to the midfield as Arsenal chased down a late equaliser.
Noni Madueke (Martinelli 77') N/A
Oleksandr Zinchenko (Lewis-Skelly 77') N/A
Subs not used: Setford, Lokonga, Harriman-Annous