Crystal Palace 0-1 Arsenal: Player ratings as 10-man Gunners hold on

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal (obscured) celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's first goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on August 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal (obscured) celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's first goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on August 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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Odegaard opened the scoring from the spot. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Odegaard opened the scoring from the spot. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

Midfielders

Declan Rice (CM) – 8.5/10 – This was the performance of an elite controller. Rice was supreme on Monday night, particularly in the opening period. The midfielder escaped pressure superbly in the build-up, while his pass selection and execution were spot-on throughout. His contributions in the final third were also useful.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – 6.5/10 – So cool from the spot. Odegaard flickered his brilliance at times, but it took a little while for the skipper’s influence to show.

Kai Havertz (CM) – 5/10 – The contest bypassed the German international, but I commend his work rate in the closing stages.

Continued on the next slide…