Arsenal player ratings v Bayer Leverkusen: Star plays with 'air of confidence' but one defender 'given a bit of trouble' in UEFA Champions League win

React to this story

Arsenal beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium to secure a 3-1 aggregate win to advance to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League. The Gunners took the lead in the first half through Eberechi Eze's screamer before Declan Rice produced a fine finish in the second period to seal victory but how did their players grade out in this game?

Highlights: Eze and Rice beauties see Arsenal into quarters

Video credit: TNT Sports

Arsenal are into the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League following a 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen, sealing a 3-1 aggregate win.

Eberechi Eze opened the scoring with a stunning effort in the first half before Declan Rice added a second after the break.

Despite the Bundesliga side putting in a spirited performance, and perhaps heading back to Germany ruing some missed chances of their own, the outcome rarely looked in doubt.

Transfers

Arsenal push to secure Guimaraes and Vinicius deals - Paper Round

7 hours ago

The win sets up a tie with Sporting CP in the last eight, as Mikel Arteta’s side continue to harbour dreams of an unprecedented quadruple this season.

Here’s how they performed on the night…

Arsenal player ratings

David Raya - 7

One of the more quiet nights for the Spaniard until he needed to pull off a fine late save. Another clean sheet for his bulging collection.

Ben White - 7

Back in the side after an injury-interrupted campaign. Linked up well going forward with old partner in crime Saka and almost had an assist in the second half before his substitution.

Gabriel - 8

Should have done better with two first-half headers but typically imperious at the back when Leverkusen were growing into the game.

William Saliba - 7

Largely solid but given a bit of trouble by the tricky Kofane.

Piero Hicapie - 7

Given the nod over Riccardo Calafiori to face his former club. Made a crucial interception at 0-0. Solid.

Martin Zubimendi - 8

Some lovely touches in the middle of the park. Covered a lot of ground and always looked to make things happen in possession.

Declan Rice - 9

Typically combative midfield display covering every blade of grass as the cliché goes - duly rewarded when he fired home the Gunners second goal.

Declan Rice touchmap v Bayer Leverkusen

Image credit: Opta

Eberechi Eze - 8

Played with an air of confidence throughout, exemplified by his stunning goal – something he may not have been prepared to try a couple of months ago.

Bukayo Saka - 7

Felt like he was trying to prove a point after some criticism last week. By no means at his brilliant best but always carried a threat against an increasingly fearful Leverkusen backline.

Leandro Trossard - 7

Had a glorious chance to open the scoring but saw his effort well-saved. Slightly wasteful when presented with other opportunities but always lively and never shied away from getting stuck in when the ball was there to be won.

Viktor Gyokeres - 7

Seemed to relish the physical battle with defenders as he very much played the ‘battering ram’ role for much of the evening. Involved in some nice build-up play.

'He's frightening' - Rice lauds Eze quality after wonder goal

Video credit: TNT Sports

Subs:

Christian Norgaard - 5 – Didn’t adjust to the game and looked a little sloppy

Cristhian Mosquera - 6 – Shored things up defensively to help the Gunners see out the win. Produced one good tackle late on.

Gabriel Martinelli - 6 – Filled in as needed. Didn’t neglect his defensive duties.

Kai Havertz - 6 – still working his way back to full fitness but made life difficult against his former club even given the short period he was on the pitch.

Myles Lewis-Skelly - N/A

Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Men's and Women's FA Cup and more on TNT Sports and discovery+

Transfers