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Arsenal 2-1 Nottingham Forest: Player ratings as Gunners claim opening weekend win

By James Cormack

Arsenal's English midfielder #07 Bukayo Saka is mobbed by teammates after scoring the team's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 12, 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / 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 HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's English midfielder #07 Bukayo Saka is mobbed by teammates after scoring the team's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 12, 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / 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 HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Rice impressed on his first Premier League outing for the Gunners. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Rice impressed on his first Premier League outing for the Gunners. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /

Midfielders

Declan Rice (CM) – 8/10 – I still have my doubts about Rice replicating Granit Xhaka’s role in the final third, but his work in every other phase is simply outstanding. He was stellar defensively and comfortable in the build-up phase.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – 7/10 – There was nothing by way of final third productivity, but this was a fine Odegaard performance littered with cute touches and savvy movement.

Kai Havertz (CM) – 6/10 – Very impressed with his work without the ball, but he didn’t have much of an influence when his side had possession. Struggled to retain under pressure at times.

Continued on the next slide…

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