Arsenal Player Ratings: Rice Outshines Rodri, Odegaard Struggles against City
Arsenal’s performance in their 0-0 draw against Manchester City on Sunday was largely dominated by their defensive players. However, it was midfielder Declan Rice who stood out as the star of the match, once again proving his worth after his £105 million transfer from West Ham.
Rice put on an impressive display in midfield, keeping his opposite number Rodri quiet throughout the game. His ability to control the midfield battle and disrupt City’s attacks was a key factor in Arsenal securing a point at the Etihad.
In contrast, Rice’s midfield partner Martin Odegaard had a less than stellar performance. Known for his creativity, Odegaard struggled to make an impact against City’s defense. He was unable to unlock their backline and create opportunities for his team.
Moving to the defensive line, Ben White returned after a short break in Dubai and showed signs of rejuvenation. While some of his teammates who had been on international duty looked tired, White looked sharp and made important contributions to the team’s defensive efforts. His presence was a reminder of the potential impact he could have for England.
William Saliba also had a solid game at the back, rarely putting a foot wrong. He made crucial blocks and tackles and remained composed under the late pressure from City. Saliba’s consistent performances in recent matches have been promising for Arsenal.
Another standout player in defense was Gabriel Magalhaes. He engaged in a fierce battle with Erling Haaland and generally came out on top. Magalhaes displayed composure and class throughout the match, proving his worth as a reliable defender.
On the left side, Jakub Kiwior continued his good run of form as he operated as a left-back. He once again showed solidity and performed admirably against City’s attacking threats, particularly Bernardo Silva.
Moving further up the pitch, Arsenal’s attacking players faced some challenges. Odegaard’s struggles in midfield had an impact on the team’s ability to create scoring opportunities. He was unable to find a way past City’s defense and lacked his usual creativity.
Jorginho, who started in central midfield, had an average performance before being substituted. Manager Mikel Arteta made the change in search of more energy in the midfield.
In attack, Bukayo Saka struggled to find space in the first half but managed to set up a great chance for Gabriel Jesus. Saka’s contribution was limited, but he remained a threat to City’s defense throughout the match.
Kai Havertz, who had an early collision with City’s goalkeeper Ortega, had a disappointing game. He missed an opportunity to make an impact and lacked service from his teammates.
Gabriel Jesus, the former City striker, missed a golden chance at the start of the second half. He was jeered by some City fans and applauded by others when he was substituted for Trossard.
Overall, Arsenal’s defensive players put in a strong performance, with Rice standing out as the standout player. However, there were struggles further forward, particularly from Odegaard and Havertz. Despite these challenges, Arsenal managed to secure a valuable point against a strong City side. The team will need to build on this performance and address their attacking issues in order to continue their progress this season.