Arsenal player ratings vs Real Madrid as Rice bosses Bellingham, Kiwior stops Mbappe, Saka atones

Real Madrid beaten handsomely and Arsenal are into the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League. A near-perfect performance in the toughest of stadia sees Mikel Arteta reach a new height.

Arsenal had the chance to take an early lead through Bukayo Saka after Mikel Merino won a penalty for the visitors. However, Thibaut Courtois stood tall and saved the Gunners’ main man’s effort.

The fight went on though through the half-time whistle still without a goal for either team as waves of Los Blancos attacks peppered the box of David Raya. Then came the goals, Bukayo Saka with the first chipping the ball over Courtois before minutes later William Saliba gave the ball away to Vinicius Jr who scored an open goal.

The night ended perfectly for the Gunners, too, as Gabriel Martinelli scored a late winner. This is the marker, this is the moment and now the question is what lies ahead? In the short term, PSG.

Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players:

David Raya – Dealing with the pressure is what the best goalkeepers have to do at this level and the Spaniard had a point to prove, having lost his place to Unai Simon in the national side. Some brilliant punches and collections from crosses and for the Vinicius Jr goal, sadly he was nowhere near to deal with his defender’s error. 9

Jurrien Timber – Quickly becoming my vote for player of the season. Jurrien Timber continued to impress time after time, in both halves with his technical brilliance and physical tenacity. How he avoided a booking of his own I will never know though. 8

William Saliba – Brilliant piece of defending on Kylian Mbappe in the first half, jockeying his international teammate out of play harmlessly. Clearance after clearance followed as he was showing the world why he is rated so highly.

However, he would give up a goal at the worst possible time, just after the Gunners had scored. An uncharacteristic mistake gifted the ball to Vini Jr who gladly tucked the ball home. 7

Jakub Kiwior – The spotlight since Gabriel injured his hamstring has been fully on Jakub Kiwior and how he would cope stepping in. Raya was adamant that the Polish defender was of no concern and fully believed in him and against the European champions he was composed, intelligent and strong – a dream display from him. 9

Myles Lewis-Skelly – The 18-year-old was tasked with one of the toughest jobs even the most experienced of stars would struggle with in his first season breaking into the side. Again another highlight reel will surely be available soon of his exploits. Taking on player after player like they are nobody. 8

Thomas Partey – An excellent performance from the midfielder. One of the few in the side with experience playing in this ground and he used that plus his quality to full effect

Yet, there was a very frustrating end to it as he would earn himself a booking for pushing over a Real player. He will now miss the first leg of the semi-final. 8

Declan Rice – Nearly went from hero to zero from the first leg after the referee gave a penalty for a touch from the midfielder on Kylian Mbappe but that was overturned. Rice though was startling in both halves and performed an amazing tackle in the box on Jude Bellingham. 9

Martin Odegaard – Had a great opportunity to take a shot outside the box after given space by Bukayo Saka but instead overplayed the ball and the chance was gone – a tale of his season to that point. He did get better as the game went on and even was able to create a couple chances for himself and others. 7

Bukayo Saka – The Arsenal talisman saw a penalty saved right at the start of the fixture in what was a massive moment. He had the choice of a simple smash but went for the clever attempt instead and got it all wrong.

All would, however, be forgiven as following a second half pass by Merino, Saka chipped the ball beautifully over Courtois. 8

Mikel Merino – He may not have been the archetypal striker that earned him a goal in the first leg but my word he worked hard for the team. He played something of a midfielder’s role in the forward line, dropping in, tackling, clearing and intercepting.

But then he would pop up in the final third, playing the perfect pass to Saka for the Gunners’ opener. I have to add again, the Spaniard did not stop running all game – it was a brilliant committed performance. 9

Gabriel Martinelli – The speed and form of Martinelli do appear to be back to a good level once again. A couple of shots which caused problems and always looking to stretch the play down the left wing. He would take his performance to the next level however, winning the game on the night thanks to the perfect goal on the counterattack. 8

Substitutes:

Leandro Trossard - Came off the bench and ran the channels, working hard and helping the Gunners to achieve this historic victory. 6

Ben White - Came on very late and had no impact on proceedings. n/a

Oleksandr Zinchenko - Came on very late and had no impact on proceedings. n/a

Kieran Tierney - Came on very late and had no impact on proceedings. n/a