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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Simon Collings

Arsenal player ratings vs Wolves: Granit Xhaka gets perfect send-off despite hat-trick regret

Arsenal finished the season in perfect fashion as they thumped Wolves 5-0 at Emirates Stadium.

Granit Xhaka got them on their way by scoring twice in what was likely his final game for the club, while Bukayo Saka added a third before half-time.

The Gunners did not let up after the break and Gabriel Jesus and Jakub Kiwior both got on the scoresheet to make it a dream afternoon for Mikel Arteta.

The 5-0 thrashing meant Arsenal finished the campaign with 88 goals, the most they have ever managed in a single Premier League season.

Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to rate the Arsenal players...

Aaron Ramsdale 6

Didn’t really have anything to do as Wolves offered nothing going forward. Distribution was good, though, and even managed a cheeky nutmeg on Adama Traore.

Thomas Partey 8

Picked to play at right-back again and was much better after a disappointing display at Nottingham Forest last week. Tucked into midfield a lot and had a goal disallowed.

Ben White 6

A comfortable afternoon’s work as he was once again charged with playing centre-back. Barely put under any pressure when in possession.

Gabriel 6

Dealt easily with Jimenez, who struggled to make an impact on the game. Wolves were so toothless in attack and didn’t manage a shot on target.

Jakub Kiwior 7

Struggled with the pace of Traore and Nelson Semedo early on but improved as the game went on. Scored his first goal for the club after a poor save by Sa.

Martin Odegaard 7

Unlucky not to get a goal or assist as he was really bright, especially in the second-half. Carved Wolves open with a few mazy runs.

Jorginho 8

Given far too much time by Wolves to dictate the game at the base of midfield. Didn’t really put a foot wrong and started the fourth goal with a great through-ball from inside his own half.

Granit Xhaka 9 | Star player

Scored twice in what is expected to be his last match for Arsenal before he joins Bayer Leverkusen this summer. Was excellent and should really have had a hat-trick.

Bukayo Saka 8

Rounded off a fine week where he signed a new long-term contract by getting on the scoresheet. Caused problems all game by cutting inside. Taken off injured just before the hour mark.

Gabriel Jesus 8

Roamed around a lot and spent time on both flanks, as well as upfront. Scored with a well-taken header and setup Arsenal’s first goal for Xhaka, too.

Leandro Trossard 8

His form has dipped in recent weeks but he put in a good performance here. Had two assists and linked up well by coming in off his flank.

Substitutions

Reiss Nelson (Saka 60’) 6

On for a 30-minute cameo after Saka came off injured. The odd bright moment as he made some darting runs.

Emile Smith Rowe (Odegaard 75’) N/A

Fabio Vieira (Xhaka 75’) N/A

Eddie Nketiah (Trossard 80’) N/A

Kieran Tierney (Kiwior 80’) N/A

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