Arsenal ratings: Viktor Gyokeres shows threat for Gunners while Bukayo Saka shines but Riccardo Calafiori causes concern

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VIKTOR GYOKERES got his eye in and his first Arsenal goal in the Emirates Cup win over Atletico Bilbao.

It was the last opportunity for the striker and the club’s other new signings to impress the fans before the season starts.

GettyViktor Gyokeres scored his first goal in Arsenal colours[/caption]

GettyRiccardo Calafiori was the weak spot in the Gunners’ defence[/caption]

GettyBukayo Saka was his regular impressive self[/caption]

And Gyokeres, 27, made his mark on the game as he scored the opening goal at the Emirates.

It would have been a relief for the Swede to see the net bulge as he had squandered chances beforehand.

Arsenal‘s second came just moments later after a brilliant passage move led to Bukayo Saka tapping into an empty net, with Kai Havertz adding a third shortly before full time.

The only thing is that the Gunners’ players will be hoping the Emirates Cup is not the only trophy they lift this season.

In the irrelevant penalty shootout after the game Adama Boiro missed the crucial spotkick as Arsenal won that too.

Here’s how SunSport reporter Henry Tomlinson rated the Arsenal players…

David Raya – 6

A comfortable outing for the goalkeeper, who had little to do but dealt with what did come his way.

Made a key save in the shootout and went the right way for a lot of them.

Riccardo Calafiori 45′ – 4

Almost gifted Bilbao the lead in the 16th minute as his weak pass in the Arsenal box was cut out by Íñigo Ruiz de Galarreta – who was denied by Raya.

Going forward, he blazed over from the edge of the box after being presented with a great opportunity when the game was goalless.

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Was subbed off at half time for Ben White.

William Saliba – 6

Like Raya, was a reasonably quiet game for the centre-back with little threat coming from Bilbao.

The Frenchman will be hoping for a similar requirement when Arsenal face Manchester United next Sunday.

Took a brilliant penalty in the shootout.

Gabriel Magalhaes 62′ – 6

Gabriel was the other beneficiary of an easy time on the pitch as the Gunners maintained a lot of control of the ball.

But for the Brazilian it’s more important to have minutes in the legs after he made his return from injury.

Jurrien Timber 62′ – 6

Made sure he was getting forward to support the attacks early on.

Looked like he picked up a knock after one burst up the pitch but was able to soldier on.

Martin Zubimendi – 7

ReutersMartin Zubimendi showed plenty of quality[/caption]

Fairly quiet game from the Spanish midfielder, which is what can be expected from him.

The former Real Sociedad man is there to do the dirty work and offload the ball and he managed to do that.

He did show one brilliant bit of quality as his whipped cross was on a dime for Gyokeres’ goal.

Converted the winning penalty in the shootout.

Declan Rice 81′ – 6

Helped maintain the pace of the game from midfield with his passing and linking of the play.

A perfectly acceptable performance but not as impressive as Zubimendi.

Martin Odegaard 81′ – 6

ReutersMartin Odegaard needs to be sharper ahead of next week[/caption]

Constantly involved with the forward play as expected and led the team to a comfortable victory.

He lacked cutting edge at times as the Gunners could have had even more.

Bukayo Saka – 8

Looked dangerous from the start and almost put the hosts ahead after a good move as he was only denied by Unai Simon.

Was in the right place at the right time to slot home the second into an empty net.

Hit the bottom corner with his penalty.

Gabriel Martinelli 45′ – 6

GettyGabriel Martinelli was replaced at half time[/caption]

Wasted a good chance in the opening exchanges as he fired wide after picking up a loose ball from the Bilbao defence.

Showed his quick thinking to perfectly lay off the ball for Saka to double the lead.

Mikel Arteta sacraficed the winger at half time to give more minutes to Noni Madueke.

Viktor Gyokeres 69′ – 8

It looked to be a frustrating afternoon for the striker as he fluffed his lines on a couple of early chances.

But it was a case of third time lucky as he fantastically headed past Simon for the opener.

Following the goal, Gyokeres was clearly more confident as his link-up play was much improved.

He almost made it two for himself after the hour mark but this header was denied by the post.

Subs

Noni Madueke 45′ – 6

ReutersNoni Madueke looked a threat after coming on[/caption]

Showed flashes of pace when he could but was mostly up against a deep block.

Almost grabbed an assist for Gyokeres before full time.

Converted his spot kick emphatically.

Ben White 45′ – 6

Immediately got into the action with an overlapping run into the box, but just failed to control the ball well enough.

Myles Lewis-Skelly 62′ – 5

GettyMyles Lewis-Skelly was booked shortly after coming on[/caption]

Replaced Timber just after the hour mark and picked up a yellow card just minutes later.

Cristhian Mosquera 62′ – 6

Was subbed on in place of Gabriel, but had little to do.

Kai Havertz 69′ – 7

AFPKai Havertz scored Arsenal’s third goal of the match[/caption]

Had a great chance to put the Gunners out of sight, but his tame effort was saved by Simon.

Made amends for the missed with a neat finish in the 81st minute to show that Gyokeres still has some competition.

Slotted his penalty past Simon very coolly.

Ethan Nwaneri 81′ – N/A

Replaced Odegaard late on and gained some minutes.

His penalty did not go to plan as he fired over from 12 yards.

Mikel Merino 81′ – N/A

He was played in the midfield for a change as he replaced Rice for the closing stages.

Smashed his penalty into the top corner. Unsaveable.

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