Mistakes proved decisive as Arsenal battled Manchester City. See who shone and who faltered in our comprehensive player ratings after the Wembley clash.
Arsenal fell short at Wembley, and while there were some steady individual displays, the game ultimately turned on mistakes and fine margins. Here is a player-by-player look at how Arteta’s side performed.
Kepa Arrizabalaga - 3
A difficult afternoon. Having survived an earlier scare, trying to battle Doku on the wing, Kepa made the error that changed the final, and that moment inevitably defines his display. He did not have a huge amount to do overall, which only makes the mistake feel bigger in the context of the game.
Ben White - 6
White offered his usual willingness to compete and get forward, but it was not one of his more influential games. He stayed fairly steady defensively, though Arsenal never really managed to impose themselves down his side.
William Saliba - 7
Probably Arsenal’s strongest starter. Saliba looked the calmest defender on the pitch for long spells, dealt with danger well and generally defended with authority. He could do little about the turning point of the match and was one of the few to come out with real credit.
Gabriel - 6
A mixed game. Gabriel competed well physically and had some important moments in the box, but there were also spells where City found ways to make Arsenal uncomfortable. Reasonably solid without being dominant.
Piero Hincapie - 5
A tough outing for Hincapie, receiving a yellow card early on for minimal contact left the defender under immense pressure for the remainder of his game, trying to contain Semenyo with the booking is not for the faint hearted.. He had moments where he looked useful in the shape, but he was not as secure as Arsenal needed in such a big game and was eventually replaced.
Declan Rice - 7
Rice worked hard and tried to carry Arsenal through difficult spells, especially when the game was still level. He was competitive and committed, but this was not one of those matches where he could fully take control in midfield.
Martin Zubimendi - 5
Neat enough in possession and positionally disciplined, but the game never really bent to his rhythm. He helped Arsenal keep some structure, though he did not stamp himself on the final in the way Arteta would have wanted.
Kai Havertz - 5
A frustrating evening. Havertz was involved without truly influencing the game and lacked the decisive quality Arsenal needed in the attacking midfield areas. He drifted in and out and was taken off in the second half.
Bukayo Saka - 6
Saka showed flashes and remained one of Arsenal’s likelier outlets, but City limited his real impact well. He worked hard and tried to drive Arsenal forward, though he never quite found the decisive moment.
Leandro Trossard - 5
The Belgian remained largely anonymous throughout the game, offering very little going forward. Surprisingly he wasn't substituted until the 82nd minute, when the game was already buried.
One of Arsenal’s brighter attacking players before going off. He looked lively in patches and was one of the few who seemed capable of unsettling City, but like the rest of the front line he could not turn promise into a real end product.
Viktor Gyokeres - 5
Not enough influence on the final. Gyokeres worked the line and gave Arsenal a focal point, but he never really managed to take hold of the game or trouble City consistently. It was the sort of final where a striker needs one big moment, and it never came.
Substitutes
Riccardo Calafiori - 6
A positive contribution off the bench. Calafiori brought energy and looked sharp when he came on, which is reflected in the rating. One of Arsenal’s better performers overall despite not starting.
Noni Madueke - 6
A decent impact. Madueke added some directness and willingness to run at defenders, and he at least helped give Arsenal a different look in the final stages. However, he didn't have enough time to make any significant contribution