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Arsenal 5-0 Wolves: Player ratings from Xhaka’s fairytale farewell

By James Cormack

Arsenal's Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka (back C) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 28, 2023. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka (back C) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 28, 2023. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Granit Xhaka enjoyed a fairytale farewell as he scored twice on what’s destined to be his final appearance for the club in their 5-0 thrashing of Wolves. 

Xhaka’s two strikes set the Gunners on their way on the final day of what’s been an excellent 2022/23 season for Mikel Arteta’s men. Wolves, meanwhile, were abject, and they had no answers for an Arsenal side that was determined to end the campaign on a high note.

https://twitter.com/afcstuff/status/1662849110657888257

Bukayo Saka added a third for the hosts before the break with a delightful finish before Gabriel Jesus, who’d superbly teed up Xhaka for the opener, added a fourth before the hour. Jakub Kiwior then benefitted from a Jose Sa error to score his first Arsenal goal and the Gunners’ fifth of the afternoon.

While there was no title celebration, this was the perfect way for Arteta’s side to wrap up the season, and the Emirates faithful were in good voice as the players waltzed around the turf post-match in appreciation of their immense support.

Arsenal 5-0 Wolves player ratings

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their thumping season finale triumph.

Jakub Kiwior (R) bagged Arsenal’s fifth. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Jakub Kiwior (R) bagged Arsenal’s fifth. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – 6/10 – What a lovely way for Rambo to finish the season.

Thomas Partey (RB) – 7/10 – Started poorly, but grew into the contest and produced a fine display, especially in possession. His distribution was efficient, and Saka was a distinct beneficiary of Partey’s decisiveness with the ball.

Ben White (CB) – 7/10 – That Tomiyasu injury really killed us, huh? I love White performing Saliba’s role.

Gabriel (CB) – 7/10 – A walk in the park.

Jakub Kiwior (LB) – 7/10 – There were a couple of unconvincing moments one-vs-one, but Kiwior largely held his own in a role that I don’t think he particularly suits given the vast amount of ground he has to cover in wide areas. Oh, and a first Arsenal goal! Thanks, Jose.

Continued on the next slide…