Arsenal 5-0 Sheffield United – Player ratings from five-star performance

Arsenal ran riot at the Emirates, putting five goals past a Sheffield United side riddled with injuries.

It was a big day for Bukayo Saka, who wore the armband for the first time for Arsenal as it is another bow in his already illustrious Arsenal career.

The game started quite slowly, but halfway through the first half, Declan Rice fired the ball into the penalty area. Eddie Nketiah took a lovely touch past ex-Arsenal player Auston Trusty before coolly slotting it into the bottom corner.

He added a second goal to his tally soon after half-time, poaching onto a loose ball in the penalty area and dispatching it with force.

At just the 58th minute, Nketiah grabbed his first-ever Premier League hat trick. About 25 yards from goal, he lined up and sent the ball into the top corner, ensuring he was taking home the match ball.

Fabio Vieira then converted a penalty that he had won after a lengthy VAR review. Takehiro Tomiyasu scored his first goal in an Arsenal shirt to add a fifth deep into extra-time.

It was a game that the Gunners fully expected to win against a team that has been struggling this season. Mikel Arteta’s men performed very well, not allowing any clear-cut chances against David Raya and flowing freely in attack.

As an Arsenal fan, there really was not much to complain about. Arteta made some changes to the starting lineup, particularly in midfield, where he left out Martin Odegaard. Emile Smith Rowe and Kai Havertz were both handed starts. It was a pleasure to watch Smith Rowe from the start, although he had a quiet game.

The result will give the squad a lovely bit of confidence heading into a week of intense competition with an EFL Cup, a Premier League, and a Champions League game upcoming. The Premier League unbeaten streak continues!

Arsenal 5-0 Sheffield United: Player Ratings

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their 5-0 win over Sheffield United.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) – 5/10 – It wasn’t the busiest of afternoons for David Raya as Sheffield United didn’t even get a shot on target. Played a fantastic through ball to Gabriel Martinelli with a wonderful side volley.

Ben White (RB) – 7/10 – Ben White’s performance was another very consistent one, both in attack and defense. He showed off a beautiful piece of skill in the first half.

William Saliba (CB) – 6/10 – Easy day out for the Frenchman. As comfortable and composed as ever, Saliba was never troubled by a Sheffield United attack and could always dribble or pass his way out of trouble.

Jakub Kiwior (CB) – 6/10 – Good performance from the young centre-back who was preferred to Big Gab. Passed the ball very well and positioned himself where he needed to be.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – 7/10 – Back to his usual performance levels. Zinchenko exerted control over the Sheffield United low block, creating problems with his intelligent passing. Defended well when needed.

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