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Football London
Football London
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Kaya Kaynak

Arsenal player ratings as Saka, Pepe and Lacazette prove Arteta right on Martinelli decision

Bernd Leno: Spoke well before the game about how important game management was and will be glad to have had so little to do when the game was won in the second half. 6.

Calum Chambers: When Chambers was brought into the side people assumed it was to provide defensive ability and shore up the back four. Turns out he's pretty good going forward too and with another assist to his name the England international is making a strong case to become the regular right back for Arsenal. 8.

Rob Holding: One of the more amusing moments of a highly entertaining game was watching Holding burst out laughing as Peter Olayinka tried to start a fight with him in the first half. The Englishman didn't give Jan Kuchta a kick and led well once again throughout. 7.

Pablo Mari: Easy to forget that this was Pablo Mari's first ever European knockout match, so imperious was the Spaniard at the back. Composed on the ball and concentrated at the back. Gabriel faces a battle to get his starting spot back. 7.

Granit Xhaka: Faced more of a threat than against Sheffield United this evening but stood up to it just as well. Led the team as the most vocal presence on the pitch and kept the ball fantastically as Arsenal saw out the match. 7.

Thomas Partey: Had far more of a focus on his defensive duties this evening than at the weekend but was impressive nonetheless. The Arsenal midfield looks far better for having the Ghanaian in it. 7.

Dani Ceballos: Not the most popular choice before the match to start in central midfield but did a good enough job. No tricks or flicks this time but still a solid display from the Spaniard. 7.

Bukayo Saka: An absolutely sensational performance from the 19-year-old who stepped up in a time when Arsenal needed him to deliver. Back on the right wing he was sublime and a fantastic third goal proved he is capable of finishing big chances when they come after some doubts in recent weeks. 9.

Emile Smith Rowe: An outstanding from the returning Hale Ender in his preferred central position. Was unlucky not to have opened the scoring after having his early tap in ruled out for offside, but assisted Pepe's goal moments later to ensure that didn't matter. Smith Rowe's runs into the box were crucial in pushing Arsenal up the pitch and helped pin back Slavia throughout the devastating 10 minute spell that won the game in the first half. 8.

Nicolas Pepe: Perhaps a controversial choice on the left wing over Gabriel Martinelli, but the Ivorian more than justified Arteta's faith. The calmness to finish the first goal was exquisite and from there on Slavia simply couldn't take the ball from him. 8.

Alexandre Lacazette: Stared down the united Slavia squad as he took the knee before kick off and looked fired up throughout. A calmly dispatched penalty and a well composed second half finish made up for the missed chances in the first leg. 8.

Substitutes -

Mohamed Elneny: Did the job of protecting the Arsenal defence when the game was won in the second half well after coming on. 6.

Eddie Nketiah: Chosen to come on over Folarin Balogun despite rumours the 19-year-old is set to sign a contract extension soon shows he is still ahead in the pecking order for now. 6.

Cedric: May well have been disappointed not to have started the game at left back but can have few complaints after Xhaka's impressive display. 6.

Gabriel Martinelli: Was something of a shock that he didn't start the match, but with the way the Gunners front line who started played it's safe to say Arteta got this one right. A nice run that nearly led to a goal proves still what he has to offer though 7.

Folarin Balogun: Came on too late to influence the game. n/a.

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