{"time":1791928803232,"blocks":[{"id":"rXU0ixKVyu","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Arsenal’s second-half surge proved too much for Lille as the Gunners ran out comfortable 3-0 winners at the Emirates Stadium."}},{"id":"SqcjurFtaB","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"After producing a first-half display that bore similarities to their performance against Leeds United last time out, last season’s Champions League finalists clicked through the gears after the break. Jurriën Timber opened the scoring before Eberechi Eze doubled Arsenal’s advantage, with Bukayo Saka adding a third to seal victory and maintain the club’s perfect start to the league phase."}},{"id":"um0qLZXs31","type":"header","data":{"text":"Starting XI:","level":1,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"smTcsfzoRC","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"David Raya – 6.5"}},{"id":"GjFxT1kpgj","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Raya had little to do on his way to another clean sheet, though he did see the ball end up in his net when Ayase Ueda strayed offside in the first half. There was also a moment of uncertainty when his roll-out from the edge of the box almost put Declan Rice under pressure. However, Arsenal’s confidence in possession starts with Raya, whose composure and authority on the ball remain key to the way Mikel Arteta’s side build from the back."}},{"id":"AN5IZjc8N4","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Spaniard has now also drawn level with David Seaman for the most European Cup/Champions League appearances by an Arsenal goalkeeper, and it is a record he is widely expected to claim outright against Bayern Munich next time out."}},{"id":"JBZTP8uwR8","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Jurriën Timber – 9"}},{"id":"Voar-a_zof","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Making just his second start of the campaign after overcoming yet more injury setbacks, Timber looked back to his very best."}},{"id":"ZDx15xI3Vp","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Netherlands international could easily have had a pair of first-half assists were it not for wasteful finishing from Bruno Guimarães and Mikel Merino, with four of Arsenal’s six attempts before the break created by their full-backs. The right-back then put his stamp on the contest with a superb touch and finish to open the scoring, before winning possession back in the build-up to Arsenal’s second."}},{"id":"CQDu9Mw8QW","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"By some distance, he was the standout performer in red and white."}},{"id":"q1mR82ro4u","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Ezri Konsa – 7.5"}},{"id":"sEv26ORkcQ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Perhaps the greatest compliment you can pay Konsa is that there appears to be little – if any – drop-off defensively as he continues to fill in for William Saliba. The summer signing looks more assured with every passing game and is already earning the trust of his teammates, regularly putting his body on the line to make crucial blocks."}},{"id":"XBhFs7l2Lr","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The question now is where he fits when Saliba returns. On this evidence, leaving him out will not be an easy decision."}},{"id":"wbA14Z0OdG","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Gabriel Magalhães – 6.5"}},{"id":"CM0684bN2p","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Facing his former club, Gabriel did not quite make the same impact as fellow centre-back Konsa, though the Brazilian looked like a player who could perhaps do with a breather, having started every Arsenal match so far this season."}},{"id":"zziBYnu4Tc","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"It was a less authoritative outing than we’ve come to expect from Gabriel, with the defender winning just one of his five ground duels and two of his eight aerial contests. Yet his importance to Arsenal’s back line should not be underestimated."}},{"id":"O9SBBiMFv5","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7"}},{"id":"Cr-xBfKBdn","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Having only started at left-back once this season, Lewis-Skelly once again demonstrated why his versatility is such a valuable asset. Naturally a midfielder, the England international continues to impress wherever Arteta asks him to play, and the injury to Piero Hincapié, as well as Riccardo Calafiori’s past fitness issues, could see him feature more in the back line."}},{"id":"7JPdHeuSFu","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"It is far from a traditional left-back role, either, and Lewis-Skelly could often be found drifting into central areas as Arsenal dominated possession. He enjoyed a comfortable evening on the ball, though he was rarely tested defensively. That may be the area Arteta will be most interested in assessing should he continue to feature there."}},{"id":"32-op7aUZt","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Declan Rice – 7.5"}},{"id":"R3LquXGcwn","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Entrusted with the captain’s armband with Ødegaard among the substitutes, Rice turned in another one of those performances where he quietly went about his work with maximum efficiency. Covering every blade of grass, the England international won all of his ground and aerial duels while providing his usual balance in midfield."}},{"id":"bmcdzCqIuj","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"If there was one minor criticism, it may be that Arsenal were unable to make the most of their set-piece opportunities, with neither of his corners finding their intended target. Yet when that is the only blemish on an otherwise accomplished display, it speaks volumes about the exceptionally high standards Rice has set for himself."}},{"id":"OBt22cfYW5","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Bruno Guimarães – 8"}},{"id":"x0hKCqLOXZ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Guimarães completed his first full 90 minutes in an Arsenal shirt and is already beginning to look like an integral part of the Gunners’ midfield, particularly in attacking areas. The Brazil international could have marked the occasion with a goal, only to drag one of his five efforts, the joint-most of the match, off target in the first half."}},{"id":"7NjTz7yWQx","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Whilst he will not be judged on goals alone, it is his intelligence in possession that continues to stand out. Those deft flicks, line-breaking passes and ability to connect Arsenal’s attacking moves are quickly making him an indispensable figure in Arteta’s side."}},{"id":"coNdrIRYbl","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Noni Madueke – 7.5"}},{"id":"wOhb2v1E2z","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Back on his natural right flank after finding success from the opposite side against Leeds United last weekend, Madueke threatened plenty in the first half without quite producing the end product. Several inviting crosses failed to find a teammate, while his tendency to shift onto his stronger left foot occasionally allowed Lille to reset."}},{"id":"iySI8WDWex","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"His willingness to keep probing never wavered, though, and he began to find greater joy in tandem with Timber down Arsenal’s right. That persistence was eventually rewarded as he registered his first assist since January, teeing up the Dutchman for the opening goal with a clever pass."}},{"id":"1DbkLXz5Nu","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Mikel Merino – 6"}},{"id":"Njqoob-TqT","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In from the start for the first time since scoring against Ipswich Town in the EFL Cup almost a month ago, Merino struggled to replicate the influence of Martin Ødegaard."}},{"id":"onJo09EWuO","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The World Cup winner should have done better with a tame first-half header that drifted straight at Lille goalkeeper Berke Özer, before picking up a booking moments later for a late challenge. That caution may have played a part in Mikel Arteta’s decision to withdraw him shortly after the hour mark, with the midfielder ultimately unable to leave a meaningful mark on the contest."}},{"id":"9cZKrKX6xv","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Eberechi Eze – 8"}},{"id":"hYOhF8LSso","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"After a quiet start, Eze gradually grew into the contest from the left flank and became increasingly influential in Arsenal’s attacking play. The England international enjoyed a particularly strong spell towards the latter stages of the first half, providing the spark behind some of the Gunners’ most promising passages of possession before forcing the Lille goalkeeper into action."}},{"id":"Xke6CFn6in","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"After Arsenal grabbed the opener, Eze was on hand to double their advantage and open his account for the season across all competitions. While fortune may have played its part, the goal, coupled with an encouraging all-round display, should do wonders for the attacker’s confidence as he continues to search for his best stuff in a red-and-white shirt."}},{"id":"7Fl_uEIN-w","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Viktor Gyökeres – 5.5"}},{"id":"c5tIT3rTax","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"It is starting to feel like Groundhog Day whenever Gyökeres leads the line for Arsenal. Whether it is down to the team’s style of play, or just an overall lack of quality, the Sweden international continues to struggle to impose himself on matches and it is becoming an issue for Arteta."}},{"id":"Ob55AC_A4I","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The striker lasted 65 minutes, managed just 12 touches and failed to register a single effort on goal. He will be desperate to replicate the form he consistently shows for Sweden, but right now the service and output are simply not marrying up. On current evidence, he is doing little to strengthen his case for a regular starting spot."}},{"id":"Aa4925shq8","type":"image","data":{"caption":"Arsenal celebrate the opener as they beat Lille at The Emirates. Credit: Every Second Media","withBorder":false,"withBackground":false,"size":"full","alignment":"center","linkUrl":"","file":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/e4a7cc60-c422-48b3-bea2-bf1817ed2298.jpeg","width":4860,"height":3240}}},{"id":"wbBeLxLEGs","type":"header","data":{"text":"Substitutes:","level":1,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"gqcWmDIna-","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Bukayo Saka – 8"}},{"id":"g363AO_dBm","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"There was a familiar spring in Saka’s step when he was introduced after 65 minutes, with the winger looking far more like the player Arsenal supporters have become accustomed to seeing after a slightly subdued start to the campaign."}},{"id":"xxXr9z3QiP","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The England international made an immediate impact, sliding a perfectly weighted pass across goal to help create Arsenal’s second before getting on the scoresheet himself. Saka capped off a slick attacking move with a composed finish for the Gunners’ third, rounding off an influential cameo from the bench."}},{"id":"BlgF8ktDIc","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Kai Havertz – 7"}},{"id":"xpA_zxhNgl","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Havertz looked a natural fit in Arsenal’s attacking structure, with his intelligent movement and link-up play helping the Gunners maintain their momentum in the final third."}},{"id":"ImgSLSm_q_","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Germany international was the architect of Arsenal’s third goal, picking out fellow substitute Saka with an intelligent pass, and in less than half an hour arguably had a greater influence on the contest than Gyökeres managed before making way."}},{"id":"diF92vrKIw","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Martin Ødegaard – 6.5"}},{"id":"Jr9jjUPljX","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Introduced as part of the triple change alongside Saka and Havertz with Arsenal holding a one-goal advantage, Ødegaard brought his customary control and composure to proceedings."}},{"id":"mOMmQnG_No","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The captain was tidy in possession and helped Arsenal sustain a firm grip on the contest, so it was no surprise to see the Gunners pull further clear after his introduction."}},{"id":"IBnePuePwT","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Ben White – 5.5"}},{"id":"tDasmXR_Cf","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Coming on for the final stages with Arsenal already in complete control, White had little opportunity to leave a meaningful mark on proceedings beyond helping see out another clean sheet."}},{"id":"RbeUwnVv06","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The defender was rarely called into action as the Gunners comfortably managed the closing stages, but he may have watched Timber’s display with interest. After such an influential performance from the Dutchman, competition for the right-back spot is only intensifying, and White faces a battle to reclaim his place."}},{"id":"56iN16nKrx","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Max Dowman – 6"}},{"id":"JIxIBQrLIV","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Brought on in the 85th minute after spending much of the second half eagerly awaiting his opportunity from the touchline, Dowman once again made a positive impression in his brief cameo."}},{"id":"-pMEJfS8P9","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The teenager showed no fear when he entered the fray, producing a moment of real quality as he drifted into the box and looked to make things happen. While his time on the pitch was limited, Dowman continues to play with a confidence beyond his years, and he looks certain to have a role to play for Arsenal as the season progresses."}}],"version":"2.31.6"}

Jacob Burt

Football Writer & Commentator

Player Ratings: Arsenal 3-0 Lille

Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly Names Martin Ødegaard as Future Manager