In the final pre-season game of 2024, Arsenal defeated Olympique Lyonnais 2-0 to win the Emirates Cup on Sunday afternoon. Thanks to goals from defenders William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, the Gunners lifted the Emirates Cup for the third consecutive season. AFTV’s James B gives his player ratings below.
Raya – 8
Distribution good, high position meant Lyon couldn’t have joy in behind, and he made a really good save late on to confirm the clean sheet!
White – 7
Best performance of preseason so far for Benjamin but he’s so good we know he still has levels to go.
Saliba & Gabriel – 8
Goal, clean sheet and a commanding performance! This is true of both! I want to pair them together though in this section because I don’t think Arsenal’s immense pressing is possible if you don’t have two of the best centre-backs in world football to sweep up behind. We’re so lucky to have them both.
Zinchenko – 7
Not quite as central to all our football as he was against Leverkusen but still very good. He’ll be happy with his preseason!
Odegaard – 8
Got better and better as it went on and really pulled the strings! Should have had an assist or two if the runs and timing of forwards were a touch better.
Partey – 7
Much better set of performances this week! Felt like he was running the game in possession. We’re still a little open with him at 6 compared to Rice or Jorginho though…
Rice – 9
He was a central midfielder on paper but he had to be a chance creator off set-pieces (2 assists), he was a wide-player so Martinelli could tuck in, an late-run threat at times too and then slotted in next to Partey to help defensively! He was everywhere. My MOTM.
Saka – 6
Ahhh don’t be mad at me! He had a lot of hard work to do and did some very nice things but he didn’t hit the levels of the Leverkusen second half he played. 6 is still good! And he’s always fouled though isn’t he?
Havertz – 7
Did some nice things but simply the only reason it’s a 7 and not a 6 is because of that sublime ball to Martinelli. Also, his work-rate is a joke (in a good way). So great to see!
Martinelli – 5
Struggled today… did some nice things, could have had an assist after picking out Odegaard in the 2nd half, but it didn’t quite happen for him today. Always a threat in behind though! His time will come.
SUBS
Jesus – 5
Struggled to get into the game but looked lively nonetheless!
Calafiori – 7
Brave player isn’t he! Loved some of his touches and defending. Excited to see more of him.
Kiwior, Jorginho, Trossard, Lewis-Skelly, Nelson, Nwaneri – ?
Just didn’t see much did we! Nwaneri showed some great skill on the byline & Lewis-Skelly is clearly very comfortable with the team! Shoutout to those two for the impact they’ve made on preseason. They should be very pleased – big futures to come.
Arteta – 7
We won and played well! Thank you for the Calafiori debut!
The post James B Player Ratings: Arsenal 2-0 Olympique Lyonnais appeared first on AFTV.
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