Some were magnificent but others were bang average: Player ratings vs Wolves

By Danong and 1970s Gooner

Beating Wolves 2-0 (goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka) on Saturday afternoon continued Arsenal's winning streak from last season.

Overall the team looked a little bit off their top best which gave Wolves the chance to have the ball more than you would expect. As a result they were in the game and had their chances until Saka's goal.

Let's hope the team is back to full fitness for what looks like a very difficult game at Villa next week.

Against the Wanderers, most Gunners showed up, but who really stood out? Here are our Arsenal player ratings:

● David Raya: The European champion was brilliant. In the 35th minute, he made an incredible save to deny Larsen, and he continued to make outstanding saves and playing the ball out of the back to keep things going.  8

● Ben White: The Englishman played primarily as the third centre back and did not win any duels of note until the closing five minutes of the game. Did not influence the game in the forward positions as much as he is capable of doing. 6.

● Oleksandr Zinchenko: The Ukrainian international didn't step up and appeared to be a weak link misplacing passes even in a game where he wasn't put under any sort of pressure when on the ball. You can imagine what a liability he will prove to be when the opponents target him.  He performed poorly and failed to justify being given the nod to start at left back. 5

 ● Thomas Partey: The Ghana international excelled defensively and created chances like a No. 10. He faded away early in the second half and looked unsure of himself giving the ball away which could have created risky situations for our goal. He needs to cut this out of his game. 7

● Martin Odegaard: The Norwegian drives Arsenal's creative play. However, he did not display the ruthlessness that he should have in his duels. He seems a notch below his very top best. 7

● Declan Rice: The Englishman made some effective short passes in the final third. He served as an excellent link between the attack and midfield but he was clearly not match-fit. He needs to improve fast. 6

● Bukayo Saka: Like Rice, he didn't look match-fit as well. Even so the cross for Havertz's goal was magnificent. His goal was also magnificent. Could have scored more but he wielded influence throughout the game.  9

● Kai Havertz: The German international, while leading the attack, demonstrated excellent pressing skills and scored with a wonderful header from a Saka assist. Later, he returned the favour to Saka, providing an assist for his goal. Arteta has turned him into quite a star. 8.5

● William Saliba: The Frenchman was colossal throughout the game. But he also made a mistake and gifted Cunha an excellent opportunity to score. Fortunately for him, the Wolves striker squandered it. 6

● Gabriel: The Brazilian defender didn't have to do much defensively but what he did he did well. 7

● Gabriel Martinelli: The Brazilian international was lively but he was lacking that final correct pass or shot. He was however quite involved in the game but kept making selfish decisions which he needs to eradicate from his game. 6

●Jurrien Timber: The Dutchman's introduction restored sense at left-back and was solid, with moments of brilliance. He should be in contention with Calafiori to start next game. 7

● Leandro Trossard: The Belgian international didn't have much to do and didn't influence the game. He would have probably made the correct decisions had he started the game in place of Martinelli though. 5

●Gabriel Jesus: Other than his excellent ball carrying and receiving a yellow card, the Brazilian striker did not contribute significantly. 5