Arsenal returned to the Champions League with a bang, thrashing PSV Eindhoven 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium in their first appearance in the competition for six years.
The game was effectively over as a contest inside 38 minutes after well-taken goals by Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus.
Martin Odegaard added a brilliant fourth after the interval and Mikel Arteta was able to make a raft of changes to save his key players for Sunday’s north London derby.
Dan Kilpatrick was at the Emirates Stadium to rate the Arsenal players...
David Raya 8
Not seriously tested but made a series of routine saves, and everything he did was assured. Feels like the No1 for now, despite what Arteta has said.
Ben White 7
Kept the busiest of the back four and booked for a foul on Sergino Dest in the first half. But got forward well and played his part.
William Saliba 8
Dealt comfortably with the awkward Luuk De Jong and was composed in the possession as always.
Gabriel 8
Started the excellent move leading to Arsenal’s third goal, all but killing the fixture, and stood up to Johan Bakayoko when the winger ventured inside.
Oleksandr Zinchenko 8
Arsenal’s most experienced player at this level ran the game from left back, stepping into the centre of the pitch to get on the ball at every opportunity.
Martin Odegaard 9
Scored a brilliant fourth goal with a fierce drive after creating a yard. Made the opener when his shot was parried by goalkeeper Walter Benitez and was at the heart of so much of Arsenal’s attacking play.
Declan Rice 8
Imperious on his first performance in the competition, earning a standing ovation in the second half after an all-action display.
Kai Havertz 7
Drove Arsenal forward for the fourth goal and involved in some nice pieces of play. Still finding his feet but this result should have done his confidence the world of good.
Bukayo Saka 9
Took his goal well to get Arsenal back up and running in this competition before squaring for Trossard’s brilliant second.
Leandro Trossard 9
Stunning finish from the edge of the box to double Arsenal’s lead and made the third goal with a pinpoint cross. Arsenal will not miss Gabriel Martinelli if the Belgian keeps playing like this.
Gabriel Jesus 8
Made it 3-0 with a magnificent finish after controlling Trossard’s cross first-time. Earlier reacted first to win possession ahead of the second goal but should really have finished the night with more than one.
Subs
Takehiro Tomiyasu (Zinchenko 58’) 6
Steady and unspectacular as Arsenal cruised to victory.
Reiss Nelson (Trossard 58’) 7
Involved in Odegaard’s strike in a lively cameo.
Emile Smith Rowe (Jesus 69’) 7
Kept the ball alive for the fourth goal moments after coming on.
Fabio Vieira (Saka 69’) 7
Continued his assured start to the season with another confident cameo.
Jorginho (Rice 76’) 7
Kept the ball moving as Arsenal saw out a big result.
