Player Ratings As Arsenal Go 5 Points Lead On Premier League Table Ahead Of World Cup Break

Arsenal defeated Wolves on Saturday, thanks to a second-half Martin Odegaard double.

The result left Arsenal first in the Premier League on 37 points going into the break for the World Cup., five ahead of Manchester City who lost at home to Brentford earlier in the day.

Mikel Arteta named an unchanged side as he stuck with the same XI that defeated Chelsea 1-0 last time out.

Arsenal had the ball in the back of the net early on after Martinelli found Gabriel Jesus, who took a touch and lashed home, but the offside flag was raised.

Granit Xhaka was forced off after 14 minutes, with Fabio Vieira replacing him, as the Swiss midfielder didn’t look comfortable from the outset.

The first half never hit any real heights, as Arsenal lacked energy going forward. It was a sluggish half, with Wolves looking dangerous on the counter. The Gunners got to the main break level with a big upturn in performance needed.

Arsenal took the lead a mere nine minutes after the restart. Gabriel Jesus found Fabio Vieira, who produced a neat clip back to Martin Odegaard, who tapped home from close range.

With 15 minutes remaining, Arsenal doubled its lead. A cut back from Zinchenko bobbled around and found its way to Odegaard, who took a touch and hammered home.

The Gunners then saw out the remaining minutes as they now go five points clear at the top of the league.

Below are the Player Ratings

Forwards

Saka (RW) 6/10 – He looked to be playing within himself as the World Cup looms. Had his moments but not to his usual standard.

Jesus (ST) 7/10 – He came close to breaking his scoring drought in the first half as he hit the bar but was again in the thick of everything with his pressing and energy a feature.

Martinelli (LW) 6/10 – He linked up well with Zinchenko several times but couldn’t impact the game as he usually does. A few bright spots, but overall, not up to his usual standards.

Midfielders

Partey (CM) 7/10: He did what he had to in the middle of the park. Kept the team moving forward well and sprayed balls around with ease. Broke up several Wolves moves to halt the home side in their tracks.

Xhaka (CM) N/A – Lasted only 14 minutes as he didn’t look right from the get-go. Replaced by Vieira.

Odegaard (CAM) 9/10 – Two goals for the Arsenal skipper, with his second superbly well-taken. His movement in the box created havoc and was rewarded with a brace.

Man of the Match by a country mile.

Goalkeepers and Defenders

Ramsdale (GK) 6/10: Did not have much to do at all tonight, bar the odd save here and there. A scary collision with Adama Traore could have been a lot worse. Overall, a solid night.

White (RB) 6/10: Got forward well in the second half and created overlaps with Saka. Solid enough without being outstanding.

Saliba (CB) 6/10– He made a huge error late in the first half but was bailed out by Gabriel. Looked shaky at times and not his usual self.

Gabriel (CB) 8/10 – Sensational from the Brazilian. The last outing in an Arsenal shirt for six weeks was superb. He dealt well with what Wolves threw at him and pushed Odegaard close to Man of the Match honors.

Zinchenko (LB) 6/10 – Second game back for the Ukrainian. He moved into the midfield at times, as he usually does. He distributed the ball around well and got forward at every chance. He started the move that ended with Arsenal’s second goal.

Substitutes

Nelson N/A– Came on late as Arsenal looked to round out the win.
Cedric N/A – The right-back got a few minutes late on as Arsenal rotated.
Elneny N/A – Introduced with minutes remaining as Arteta looked to shore up the midfield.

Vieira 7/10– Better outing for the midfielder than against Brighton. Produced a delightful chip to find Odegaard for the game’s opener.