Arsenal Player Ratings VS Manchester United As The Gunners Drop Pints At Emirates
Arsenal suffered a dramatic 3-2 home defeat to Manchester United in a Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium that will be remembered more for its chaotic moments and standout individual performances than for textbook football.
The Gunners, who had taken the lead through an own goal from United defender Lisandro Martínez, ultimately faded late as United produced a remarkable comeback. Arsenal’s title momentum took a hit as their lead was reduced at the top of the table as a result of this surprise loss.
While the result was the headline, the story was also about how individual performances shaped the narrative.
Here are the Arsenal player ratings from that match, assessing who delivered and who struggled as Mikel Arteta’s side saw their lead in the title race shrink.
David Raya – 6/10
Raya was called into action a few times but couldn’t have done much about the goals conceded. His positioning was solid for the most part, but Arsenal’s defensive lapses around him meant he was left exposed at key moments.
Overall, his performance reflected the team’s mixed defensive record on the day.
Jurrien Timber – 6/10
Timber helped spark Arsenal’s early opener by forcing the own goal from Lisandro Martínez, but his influence waned as United applied pressure. Defensively he looked composed at times, yet wasn’t always sharp enough to deal with United’s transitions.
William Saliba – 6/10
Saliba marshalled the back line with his usual calm presence and even made some key challenges.
Still, he could not prevent the crucial error in midfield play that led to United’s equaliser, and his overall impact was neutralised by United’s tactical changes.
Gabriel Magalhães – 6/10
Gabriel was solid in aerial duels and used his physicality well at times, but he was not tested as much as he might have expected. His contributions were steady but ultimately not enough to stop United’s decisive moments.
Piero Hincapié – 5/10
Hincapié struggled to deal with United’s wide runners and was substituted in the second half as Arteta sought to refresh his options.
His defensive awareness was questioned, and he failed to impose himself effectively.
Martin Zubimendi – 4/10
The midfielder endured a rare off day, and his misplaced back pass gifted Bryan Mbeumo the chance to equalise for United.
It was the kind of error that shifts momentum, and he was subsequently substituted early in the second half.
Declan Rice – 5/10
Rice worked hard in midfield and showed his usual tenacity, but he was unable to drive Arsenal’s control when it mattered most. His influence diminished in the second half, and Arsenal needed more from their midfield leader to stem United’s comeback.
Martin Ødegaard – 5/10
Ødegaard flashed moments of creativity, including the build-up to the opening goal, but he did not consistently unlock United’s defence. He was replaced in the second half as Arteta chased a response.
Bukayo Saka – 6/10
Saka was arguably Arsenal’s brightest spark, consistently probing down his flank and contributing to the early goal.
He came close to creating more threats later in the match and battled hard throughout, showcasing his high work rate even when chances were limited.
Gabriel Jesus – 5/10
Jesus found it difficult to influence the game as Arsenal’s attack became less coherent. He struggled to link up play effectively against a compact United defence, and his substitution reflected Arteta’s attempt to change the attacking rhythm.
Leandro Trossard – 5/10
Trossard had flashes of good movement and received praise for some neat touches, but he ultimately offered little threat and was substituted before the final stages as Arsenal searched for a goal.
Substitutes
Ben White – 5/10
Came on to provide defensive cover but struggled to stabilise the backline during crucial phases.
Eberechi Eze – 5/10
Introduced to add creativity, but he was unable to assert himself enough in open play or change the pattern of the game.
Mikel Merino – 7/10
Merino was a bright spark off the bench, scoring to bring Arsenal level again at 2-2. His energy and contribution showed why he is valued as an impact substitute in tight games.
Viktor Gyökeres – 5/10
Gyökeres entered with attacking intent but failed to create a clear scoring chance as Arsenal chased the match in the final stages.
Noni Madueke – 5/10
Madueke’s late cameo lacked influence, and he did not provide the spark needed to turn the game around.
Manager – Mikel Arteta – 4/10
Arteta’s tactical choices drew scrutiny, particularly around the timing of substitutions and the defensive structure after establishing the lead.
His decision to make multiple changes seemed reactive rather than proactive, and it failed to stem United’s momentum.
In summary, Arsenal’s home defeat reflected a team that started strongly but ultimately couldn’t maintain intensity or defensive focus against a resurgent Manchester United.
Individual errors — especially in midfield — and a lack of cutting edge in attack overshadowed moments of quality.
While there were positive contributions, particularly from Saka and Merino as a substitute, overall performances did not match the level required to secure three points in a match that held major implications for the Premier League title race.
