Arsenal reached their third UEFAChampions League**** quarter-final in the same number of seasons as they defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 on aggregate.
**The Gunners**won the second leg 2-0 thanks to goals from Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice.
Eze’s goal in particular was a spectacle as the midfielder struck home a thunderous half-volley from outside the box.
Mikel Arteta’s side produced a complete team performance at the Emirates Stadium, with that reflected in the player ratings.
Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
David Raya – 8
As per usual, Arsenal’s goalkeeper made a fantastic save when called upon deep into the second half. Raya was largely untested aside from this, but kept his clean sheet intact.
Ben White – 6
After an injury-interrupted campaign, White returned to the starting lineup due to an injury sustained against Everton by Jurrien Timber.
White had the tricky task of defending Alejandro Grimaldo but dealt with the wing-back well in large.
William Saliba – 7
In the first leg, Saliba was tested by Christian Kofane. However, the French defender did well to marshal the striker on this occasion.
Gabriel Magalhães – 8
Gabriel was his imperious self as the Gunners ran out victorious. Leverkusen did threaten occasionally, but the German side were defended well by the Arsenal defence.
Piero Hincapié – 7
Playing against his former side, Hincapie continued his impressive run of form. Ernest Poku barely had an opportunity to create any attacking moves due to the Ecuadorian marking him out of the game.
Martin Zubimendi – 8
Despite having a below-average last few games, Zubimendi was back to his best. The Spanish midfielder tracked back to help out defensively while also keeping possession well.
Zubimendi’s positioning allowed Declan Rice to have an attacking impact.
Declan Rice – 8
(Credit: Justin Setterfield/ GettyImages)
Rice scored his first Champions League goal since the two free-kicks against Real Madrid last season.
The midfielder pounced on a loose ball before coolly passing the ball into the bottom corner.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Saka was a much bigger threat up against the Leverkusen defence. The winger had several shots on target and created a number of opportunities for teammates that weren’t taken.
The Gunners will hope he can continue this form into the Carabao Cup final this weekend.
Eberechi Eze – 8
His extraordinary goal aside, Eze was a livewire for the entirety of the game. Deft flicks and precise passes allowed Arsenal to dominate proceedings throughout.
Leandro Trossard – 6
Trossard could, and probably should, have been on the scoresheet. However, the former Brighton winger was wasteful in front of goal.
He still contributed on the defensive front, winning the ball back high up the pitch.
Viktor Gyokeres – 7
(Credit: DeFodl Images/ GettyImages)
Despite not scoring, Gyokeres was influential in the game, laying the ball off to his fellow attackers. The Swede was often the spearhead of the attack and also an outlet for Raya’s goal kicks.
Substitutions
Christian Norgaard – 6
Solidified the midfield in the closing stages.
Cristhian Mosquera – 6
Should have scored from an Arsenal counterattack. Solid defensively.
Kai Havertz – 6
Scored, but had his effort ruled out for a handball infringement
Gabriel Martinelli – 6
Added pace to the attack, but didn’t really get to use it.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – N/A