Arsenal beat Benfica in impressive style on Saturday afternoon. The Gunners had a good workout and Yaya Sanogo scored four times as the home team cruised to a 5-1 win. The player ratings are below.
Damian Martinez – 7.5
Looked assured between the sticks but might have wanted to do better with the Benfica goal. Looks to be a solid third choice goalkeeper for the season.
Hector Bellerin –Â 8
Was very impressive. Athletic and great going forward, Bellerin’s versatility and pace will give him a good chance to break into this Arsenal squad. Assisted Campbell’s goal well.
Calum Chambers – 8
Chambers will be needed at centre back early in the season, and if today is anything to go by, he’ll be solid. Some great tackles and reading of the game superb.
Nacho Monreal (off 73)- 7
Arsene won’t play him at centre back this season and quite rightly. Looked uncomfortable at the start, but grew a lot as the game went on. Not bad from Nacho considering.
Keiran Gibbs – 7.5
Looked good going forward, nothing spectacular but got himself an assist for one of the Sanogo goals.
Mathieu Flamini (off 59) – 7
Not too noticeable, didn’t have too much to do in truth, but kept things ticking. Replaced with 30 minutes to go.
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain (off 45) – 7.5
Came off at half time but looked very good as usual using his energy to burst forward from deep in midfield. Could be a big season for the Ox.
Aaron Ramsey (off 59) –Â 8.5
Ramsey just continued to look brilliant. Provided a wonderful assist for Sanogo to open the scoring and created chances with some delightful through balls. Energy is admirable.
Tomas Rosicky (off 59) – 7
Didn’t do too much, but barely did anything wrong. Rosicky will be a useful squad player once again this season.
Joel Campbell (off 73) – 8
Took his chance to impress well. Might have felt he could have had a hat trick, but will be happy to have got on the scoresheet with a very nice volley.
Yaya Sanogo (off 73) – 9
Scored four goals. Before today he’d never scored for the Gunners but despite the goals not being incredible (they were all tap ins) he’ll be delighted and it’ll be great for his confidence.
Subs
Santi Cazorla (on 45)- 7.5
Some brilliant touches late on.
Mikel Arteta (on 59) – 7
Same as always.
Jack Wilshere (on 59) – 7
Looked bright.
Francis Coquelin (on 59) – 6.5
Average, and can’t see a future for him at the club.
Alexis Sanchez (on 73) – 7
First Arsenal appearance, didn’t have enough time to make a huge impression but almost assisted a Coquelin goal.
Chuba Akpom (on 73) – 7
Wanted to impress, good skill and pace.