The Wolves’ coach identified one Arsenal player as the thorn in their side during their recent clash, expressing that without this player’s influence, his team could have dominated the first half. Despite not being Havertz, Ødegaard, or Saka, this player’s impact was undeniable. Arsenal secured a crucial victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, with every player making notable contributions. Here’s a breakdown of their performances:
**David Raya**: Raya played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s win, making a crucial save when the score was 1-0 to preserve their lead. Although he wasn’t frequently tested, his calm and composed presence earned him an 8.
**Ben White**: White was reliable defensively, especially in handling Rayan Ait Nouri. However, he contributed little to Arsenal’s offense, earning him a 6 for his solid defensive work.
**William Saliba**: Saliba had some strong defensive moments, notably thwarting a dangerous counterattack by Doherty. However, a risky pass to Cunha could have led to trouble, and this inconsistency earned him a 6.
**Gabriel**: Gabriel was a standout in Arsenal’s defense, frequently intercepting Wolves’ attacks. His physical presence was a constant threat during set-pieces, contributing significantly to the team’s success, which earned him a 7.
**Oleksandr Zinchenko**: Zinchenko’s composed play helped Arsenal dominate the first half. However, a risky pass in the second half could have spelled trouble if Wolves had capitalized. Despite this, his overall performance was strong, and he received a 6.
**Thomas Partey**: Partey showed moments of brilliance, especially in setting up Arsenal’s second goal. However, his tendency to lose possession was concerning and could have been costly in a closer game. He received a 5 for his inconsistent performance.
**Martin Ødegaard**: Ødegaard was instrumental in Arsenal’s attack, using his vision and skill to create chances. His clever play in the first half, including a flick to Havertz, earned him a 7.
**Declan Rice**: Rice made vital contributions on both ends of the pitch. Although he faded as the match progressed, possibly due to his recent return from injury, his first-half performance was crucial, earning him a 7.
**Bukayo Saka**: Saka made the most of his chances, scoring a goal and assisting Havertz. His ability to deliver in critical moments earned him an 8.
**Kai Havertz**: Havertz had a standout performance, scoring with a header and assisting Saka with a brilliant play. His contribution was the highlight of the match, earning him a 9.
**Gabriel Martinelli**: Martinelli was active but lacked the finishing touch to make a significant impact. His performance earned him a 6.
Substitutes:
**Jurrien Timber**: Timber made a notable impact in his limited time, particularly on the attack. His strong tackling and impressive dribble stood out, but a near penalty could have been costly. He earned a 7 for his cameo.
**Leandro Trossard** and **Gabriel Jesus** were brought on too late to be rated.
Arsenal’s depth and resilience were on full display in this victory, with Havertz’s performance standing out as a promising sign for the team’s future.
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