Arsenal 3-0 Athletic Club: player ratings and match highlights – 7.5/10 as Gyokeres dominates..

Arsenal player ratings vs Athletic Club as Gyokeres shines

Arsenal 3-0 Athletic Club: player ratings and match highlights – 7.5/10 Gyokeres stands out

Viktor Gyokeres netted his inaugural goal for Arsenal as the Gunners triumphed over Athletic Club Bilbao with a score of 3-0 at the Emirates.

The Gunners dominated possession in the early stages, but they were somewhat reckless defensively at the start. Playing as a left-back, Riccardo Calafiori made a risky pass in a critical area.

Inigo Ruíz de Galarreta seized the opportunity, but his shot was thwarted by David Raya. Gyokeres skillfully evaded his marker as Bukayo Saka sprinted down the right flank.

Saka delivered a pass to Arsenal’s new forward, but he was unable to get past Unai Simon, the goalkeeper for Bilbao.

The match was rather fragmented until 10 minutes before the interval when Arsenal seized control. Martin Zubimendi sent in a cross from the right, and Gyokeres expertly directed it past Simon with a header.

Just a minute later, Saka doubled the lead. Simon rushed out of his goal, and Martinelli laid the ball off to his right for Saka to slot into an unguarded net.

With Bilbao failing to mount any significant response, Arsenal enjoyed a relatively easy second half. Gyokeres was unlucky not to score again when he headed a cross from Noni Madueke against the post.

There was still time for Kai Havertz to score, making it 3-0. Collecting the ball from the halfway line, he displayed impressive speed before shooting into the bottom left corner of the net.

GK: David Raya – 6/10

Made a solid early save, but as Arsenal gained control of the match, he had little to do.

RB: Jurrien Timber – 6.5/10

Seemed to pick up a slight injury while pursuing an over-hit ball from Odegaard, but managed to recover.

CB: William Saliba – 6.5/10

Generally untroubled at the center of Arsenal’s defense.

CB: Gabriel – 6.5/10

Like Saliba, enjoyed a hassle-free afternoon for the Gunners.

LB: Riccardo Calafiori – 7/10

Made a careless pass in his own penalty area during the first half, but at times looked very effective both on and off the ball.

DM: Declan Rice – 6.5/10

Looked to have established a strong partnership with Zubimendi.

DM: Martin Zubimendi – 8/10 – Player of the Match

Displayed great solidity and capability, delivering an excellent cross for Gyokeres’ goal in the first half.

RW: Bukayo Saka – 7.5/10

Appeared sharp and dangerous, showcasing a performance that reminded us he is Arsenal’s top player.

AM: Martin Odegaard – 6.5/10

Exhibited some nice touches as he sought to engage in the game.

LW: Gabriel Martinelli – 6.5/10

Made the Bilbao goalkeeper look foolish when he assisted Saka to score the second goal.

CF: Viktor Gyokeres – 7.5/10

Dropped off his marker to find space and take a shot in the first half, later putting the Gunners ahead with a superb header.

SUB: Noni Madueke – 6.5/10

Delivered a nice cross for Gyokeres, who struck the post with a diving header. Also provided several other good crosses into the box. He has positioned himself as a contender to start against Manchester United.

SUB: Ben White – 6/10

Showed solid performance, but was hardly tested due to Arsenal’s dominance.

SUB: Cristhian Mosquera – 6/10

Received playing time, but the intensity had diminished after the quick two goals in the first half.

SUB: Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6/10

Got minutes in preparation for the Premier League opener, with the tension already dissipated due to Arsenal’s control.

SUB: Kai Havertz – 6.5/10

Had a late appearance for the German international and scored a late goal.

SUB: Ethan Nwaneri – 5/10

Was given a chance to play in the final 10 minutes.