Arsenal are all but secured of their spot in the Champions League's top eight after a sixth consecutive victory in the competition with a 3-0 away win at Club Brugge. Piero Hincapie was inches away from finding the net, deflecting a shot from Myles Lewis-Skelly onto the post. Shortly afterwards, Noni Madueke broke the deadlock with one of the tournament's standout goals, striking from distance.
The English winger then doubled Arsenal's lead just after half-time, capitalising on a perfectly delivered cross from Martin Zubimendi to score an easy goal. Gabriel Martinelli added to the tally with a stunning curling shot into the far corner. Express Sport rates and slates the Gunners...
David Raya – 8
Held his ground against several attempts from Carlos Forbs. Made an excellent save to deny Stankovic's low drive and quickly smothered the follow-up as well.
Ben White – 7
A tireless runner throughout the match, frequently overlapping with Madueke on the right to exploit open spaces. Formed an unexpected but effective partnership with Norgaard in defence.
Christian Norgaard – 7
Given the responsibility of playing as a centre-back and taking long throws for Arsenal. Made a potentially goal-saving interception to stop Hans Vanaken from scoring and strong defensively throughout the match, undeterred by the unfamiliar role.
Piero Hincapie – 7
Came closest for the Gunners in the early stages of the match, deflecting a Myles Lewis-Skelly shot onto the post. At the other end, he bravely blocked several attempts on David Raya's goal.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7
Like Zubimendi before him, he earned an assist by passing the ball 15 yards to Gabriel Martinelli before his fantastic strike. This was a much-improved performance from the 19-year-old after a few shaky displays.
Martin Zubimendi – 8
He might not have expected to earn an assist after finding Noni Madueke far from the goal before his long-range strike. However, his second assist was truly remarkable; a perfect cross with his weaker foot made it easy for Madueke.
Mikel Merino – 5
Back in midfield, the Spaniard seemed somewhat absent from the game, at least for long periods, as his lack of recovery speed left the midfield somewhat exposed at times.
Martin Odegaard – 6
Had a chance from outside the box saved in the opening moments of the game. He kept the play moving as he always does but perhaps still needs to find that sharpness as he returns to regular action.
Noni Madueke – 9
There was a moment of concern when the winger went down with an issue early on; thankfully, it was just a finger injury. It was good news considering his brilliant long-range strike gave the Gunners the lead not long after. He forced a robust save just before half-time, again from the right, a curling effort that had to be parried away. He headed in at the back post following a superb cross from Zubimendi.
Viktor Gyokeres – 5
Had an opportunity in the first half from a Gabriel Martinelli cross, which he headed wide. Overall, it was another performance that raises more questions than it answers, with a real lack of involvement, and the argument of a lack of service is dwindling.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7
Generally got the better of Hugo Siquet, delivering some crosses into the box and handling the ball well on the left, but had a quiet first half. That changed in the second with a brilliant nutmeg on Siquet before curling a strike into the top right corner.
Substitutes
Gabriel Jesus – 7
Managed a shot which was weak but on target after weaving his way through several players. Found another before the end which he could've done better with, and finished the match with more touches in half the time than the man he replaced, Gyokeres.
Riccardo Calafiori – 6
Came on for Piero Hincapie to help secure the game in the centre of defence with Norgaard.
Bukayo Saka – 6
Perhaps not the substitute fans were hoping to see come on, but the player is always eager to play.
Ethan Nwaneri – 6
Forced two good late saves from the goalkeeper in a promising cameo.
Marli Salmon – N/A
A fantastic moment for the youngster to make his debut late on for the club.