Arsenal player ratings vs Girona: Ethan Nwaneri proves best Bukayo Saka replacement but Neto shaky on debut | OneFootball

Gunners’ ascending teenage star marks his first Champions League start with a brilliant winning goal in Spain

Arsenal rounded off the league phase of the Champions League by beating Girona 2-1 in Spain.

The Gunners had to come from behind to claim all three points, though, after a howler from goalkeeper Neto allowed Arnaut Danjuma to score.

Arsenal, however, were ahead before half-time as Jorginho scored a penalty and Ethan Nwaneri got his sixth goal of the season.

The victory means Arsenal finished the league phase of the Champions League in third place and they are straight into the last 16.

Simon Collings was in Girona to see Arsenal in action...

Neto 4

A poor debut from the Brazilian, who looked rusty. Shaky from the off and was caught in no man’s land for Danjuma’s goal.

Thomas Partey 6

Lost Danjuma for his goal, but made amends by winning the penalty that Arsenal equalised from. Taken off at half-time in what was possibly a pre-planned move with Manchester City to come this weekend.

Jakub Kiwior 6

Picked to start at right centre-back for the second Champions League game in a row, with William Saliba rested. A solid showing.

Gabriel 7

Started for the 11th game in a row as he made his 200th appearance for Arsenal. Any trouble came down the opposite flank to him.

Riccardo Calafiori 7

Made his first start since the beginning of January. Had a goal ruled out for offside early on, but was bright overall.

Martin Odegaard 6

Back in the team after missing the win at Wolves due to illness. The odd lively moment, but largely pretty quiet.

Jorginho 7

Slotted his penalty by using his signature run-up. Occasionally caught up field and Declan Rice came on towards the end to tighten things up.

Mikel Merino 6

Returned to the side after being absent for the win at Wolves with a knock. Was fine, but still yet to really catch the eye.

Ethan Nwaneri 8 | Star player

Continued his remarkable rise with a brilliant goal after cutting in from the right. Looks the best replacement for Bukayo Saka while he is out injured.

Leandro Trossard 7

Handed a start up front as Kai Havertz finally got a rest. Did a decent job as a false nine and hit the post in the first half.

Raheem Sterling 5

Given a rare chance on the left flank as Gabriel Martinelli was rested. Started bright, but faded as the game went on and had a late penalty saved.

Substitutions

Jurrien Timber (Partey 45’) 6

On at the break and kept Danjuma quieter in the second half.

Kai Havertz (Trossard 70’) 6

Tested the goalkeeper with one decent hit in the final 10 minutes.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (Calafiori 70’) 6

Girona got some joy down his flank when he came on, but he recovered well.

Declan Rice (Jorginho 81’) N/A

Gabriel Martinelli (Nwaneri 87’) N/A

Subs not used: Porter, Setford, Saliba, Tierney, Zinchenko, Butler-Oyedeji, Oulad M’Hand.