Man Utd vs Arsenal player ratings: Fernandes and Rice produce excellence

Yahoo

09-03-2025

Arsenal's slim hopes of catching Liverpool in the Premier League table were dealt another blow by a 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
Declan Rice's second-half equaliser brought Mikel Arteta's side back into the game after Bruno Fernandes had given United a first-half lead with a powerful free-kick.
Could not be criticised for Rice's powerful effort and otherwise stood up well to Arsenal's shots from distance. Distribution was inconsistent. 6
A mentally challenging afternoon, having to keep an eye on Arsenal's midfield runners and worry about Merino's physical approach. Coped with it well, overall. 6
Like De Ligt, seemed happy enough to be focusing on Arsenal's collection of midfielders rather than a true centre-forward. Solid showing. 6
French defender was made to worry about Timber's overlapping runs but the game mostly took place in front of him. Substituted with a knock. 6
Denied by a spectacular Raya save shortly after the break, when he should have scored. Remained energetic and diligent. 6
Hardly touched the ball in the first half but still produced a moment of genuine quality with his powerful free-kick. Another sign of his importance. 7
Bruno Fernandes, that is beautiful 😍 pic.twitter.com/7pAau1Aqjz
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 9, 2025
Not the day to demonstrate his quality on the ball, instead doing his best work without possession on the edge of his box. Battled hard throughout. 7
Won his individual battle with Nwaneri and, despite looking awkward on the ball at times, produced an excellent cross which Mazraoui almost converted. 6
United's most threatening player throughout, causing plenty of problems for Arsenal with his speed on the counter-attack. 7
United's inability to keep hold of the ball meant he had to worry more about his defensive duties than his attacking possibilities. Worked hard without shining. 5
Found it difficult to overpower Saliba for most of his 76 minutes on the pitch, aside from one impressive turn. Could not finish his one chance. 5
Substitutes
Heaven (Yoro 46)Collyer (Eriksen 76)
Strange positioning on the Fernandes free-kick provided the United captain with a huge target. An embarrassing moment, but he made some fabulous saves afterwards. 6
David Raya with an INCREDIBLE save to prevent Noussair Mazraoui 🤯🧤 pic.twitter.com/pMMDftEUKh
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 9, 2025
The former Ajax defender is always composed on the ball and he tried to push forward throughout the game. Showed his skill in assisting Rice's goal. 7
For most of the game he was the dominant man in the physical battle with Zirkzee. Seemed comfortable throughout the afternoon. 6
Arsenal's dominance of possession meant that the Brazilian had very little defending to do, before he denied Hojlund a late goal with an excellent block. 6
Looked defensively uncomfortable whenever he was faced with Garnacho on the counter-attack. Replaced by Lewis-Skelly before the hour. 5
Arsenal's most industrious player for most of the game, buzzing around midfield and looking for openings. Simply did not have the runners in front of him. 7
Tidy in possession, as usual, but seemed reluctant to play the adventurous forward passes that Arsenal needed at times. Removed with 15 minutes to play. 6
Pulled Arsenal back into the game with his excellent finish and then produced a magnificent defensive challenge to prevent Hojlund from scoring a late winner. 8
"BELTER." 🎙️A fine Declan Rice strike draws Arsenal level! pic.twitter.com/z7wDT5evHj
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 9, 2025
Teenage sensation could not produce any spark in the final third on this occasion. He was well managed by Dalot as he tried to cut inside. 5
Simply does not look comfortable as a centre-forward, understandably. Dragged an early shot wide before moving into midfield. Almost gave away a late goal. 5
Curled wide from the edge of the box and almost reached Odegaard's scooped pass. Busy without ever looking likely to really hurt United's defence. 6
Substitutes
Martinelli (Nwaneri 58)Lewis-Skelly (Calafiori 58)Tierney (Partey 76)
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