RICCARDO CALAFIORI became the latest Arsenal defender to show his attacking prowess as his winner helped the Gunners to a 1-0 win over Manchester United.
He touched Declan Rice‘s corner in on the line after Altay Bayindir could only punch the ball goalwards.
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But he also kept a tight lid on United dangerman Bryan Mbeumo, helping Mikel Arteta‘s side to a valuable clean sheet.
The Gunners took the lead in the 13th minute and were able to hold firm despite the host’s pressure.
They offered little at the other end of the pitch however with Bukayo Saka not his usual self.
Gabriel Martinelli also did little to prove why he deserves a starting role with summer signing Noni Madueke waiting in the wings.
Here is how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rated the Arsenal display…
DAVID RAYA – 6
Little to do until the 74th minute when he made a big save from Bryan Mbuemo
BEN WHITE – 5
Given a real test by Patrick Dorgu, particularly before half-time, and did look a bit rusty – although not the only one.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 5
Made things awkward for Bayindir for the goal but at the back he looked seriously ropey.
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GABRIEL – 5
Surprisingly poor performance from the Arsenal central defender. Was particularly shaky in the first half.
RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 7
Grabbed the winning goal although he did often push up too high.
MARTIN ZUBIMENDI – 5
A really tough introduction to English football which started with a whack in the face from Mbuemo in the opening minute.
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DECLAN RICE – 6
Delivered the corner for the goal but really struggled to get control of the game although work rate was still good.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5
Needs a much better season than last term when he struggled. Some of his decision-making with the ball was really bad.
BUKAYO SAKA – 5
Had a few bright moments in the first half but Luke Shaw did a decent job on him.
Could have scored at the end but Matthijs de Ligt delivered a fine block.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI -5
Gets a lot of stick from Arsenal fans and this performance really did not help him. Could have no complaints at being taken off.
VIKTOR GYOKERES – 6
Put in a shift and did get behind the United defence but he needs to be given much better service.
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SUBS
KAI HAVERTZ (FOR GYOKERES, 60 MINS) – 5
A few nice moments but unable to make a breakthrough.
NONI MADUEKE (FOR MARTINELLI, 60 MINS) – 5
Saw little of the ball but could have scored deep into injury time.
JURRIEN TIMBER (FOR WHITE, 72 MINS) – 5
First competition game since his ankle operation and did fine.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (FOR CALAFIORI, 72 MINS) – 5
Will have been disappointed not to start.
MIKEL MERINO (FOR RICE, 83 MINS) – 5
No time to make an impact.
