Arsenal Player Ratings vs Dinamo Zagreb: Rice, Martinelli Shine as Gunners Close in on Champions League Last 16

Arsenal 3-0

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal delivered an assured performance at the Emirates, beating Dinamo Zagreb 3-0 to edge closer to securing a spot in the Champions League last 16. The win moved the Gunners up to third in the European standings and was powered by brilliant goals from Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Martin Ødegaard.

The match began with an early flourish as Declan Rice opened the scoring just two minutes into the game with a sublime finish, showcasing his ability to find the back of the net from midfield. Arsenal controlled the tempo throughout the first half, with Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz looking lively, constantly causing trouble for the Croatian champions’ defense.

Despite a few missed opportunities, Arsenal’s dominance continued, and it was Havertz who doubled their lead in the 57th minute. The German forward was perfectly positioned to head home a cross from Martinelli, increasing the Gunners’ advantage to 2-0. The match was sealed in stoppage time when Martin Ødegaard found the back of the net from a Leandro Trossard cross to make it 3-0.

Goalkeeper & Defense

David Raya (6/10)
Raya was a spectator for much of the match, spending more time chasing the ball downfield than making saves. He had little to do and remained untested for the majority of the game.

Jurrien Timber (6/10)
Timber had a solid outing, but fatigue appeared to set in at times, especially given the number of games he has played recently. He was booked during the game but overall provided a stable presence at the back.

Jakub Kiwior (6/10)
Kiwior was composed in the right center-back role, though he had a shaky moment in the first half. Aside from that, he was reliable and helped keep the defense organized.

Gabriel Magalhães (6/10)
Gabriel missed a golden opportunity to make it 2-0 after heading over from an Ødegaard corner. Defensively, however, he was hardly troubled and remained steady.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (7/10)
Zinchenko was impressive on his fourth start of the season. He controlled the ball well and linked up play from the back, offering key touches and helping to maintain Arsenal’s flow.

Midfield

Jorginho (7/10)
Jorginho orchestrated the midfield with his typical calmness. He played several key passes and provided the necessary vision to break down Dinamo’s defense. He will be pleased with his distribution in a comfortable victory.

Declan Rice (7/10)
Rice delivered a standout performance, scoring the opening goal with a clinical strike. His influence in the midfield was significant, and he showcased excellent leadership, particularly in set-piece situations. His Champions League debut goal is a sign of things to come for the Englishman.

Martin Ødegaard (7/10)
Ødegaard had a quieter game but still managed to make an impact, particularly with his late goal in stoppage time. His movement off the ball and ability to find space allowed him to be in the right place at the right time for the third goal.

Attack

Raheem Sterling (4/10)
Sterling continued his difficult spell at Arsenal, failing to make any significant impact on the match. Despite his best efforts, nothing seemed to come off for the Chelsea loanee. A tough night for the winger.

Kai Havertz (7/10)
Havertz had an all-around solid performance. He linked up well with his teammates, including providing the assist for Rice’s goal. His header for the second goal was well-executed, although his finishing at times could have been sharper. Nonetheless, his contributions were valuable.

Gabriel Martinelli (8/10)
Martinelli was the standout attacker for Arsenal. His pace and skill kept the Zagreb defense on their toes throughout the match. His excellent assist for Havertz’s goal showcased his vision and awareness, and his runs were a constant threat.

Subs & Manager

Thomas Partey (6/10)
Partey came on to provide some fresh legs in midfield, helping to protect Arsenal’s lead and manage the tempo of the game.

Ethan Nwaneri (7/10)
The young Nwaneri injected some energy into the final moments of the match. His quick feet and ability to deliver a dangerous ball into the box lifted the crowd and added to the team’s attacking thrust.

Kieran Tierney (6/10)
Tierney added some needed defensive stability in the latter stages of the match and contributed with energy and effort.

Leandro Trossard (6/10)
Trossard was involved in the late stages, providing a pinpoint cross for Ødegaard’s goal to seal the win.

Nathan Butler-Oyedeji (N/A)
Came on in injury-time to make his senior debut, contributing little in the brief time he was on the pitch.

Mikel Arteta (7/10)
Arteta was satisfied with his team’s performance, managing the match well and using his substitutions wisely. The result takes Arsenal a step closer to the knockout stages, and Arteta will be happy with the ease of the victory.

In Conclusion

Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb puts them in a strong position to secure a place in the Champions League last 16. With a comfortable final game against Girona on the horizon, all the Gunners need is a draw to progress. Mikel Arteta will be pleased with the clinical nature of his side’s performance, particularly the contributions of Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz. Raheem Sterling’s struggles, however, continue, and the winger will need to step up if he is to prove his worth at Arsenal.