Arsenal 3-0 Lille: Player ratings as Gunners storm to overcome frustrating test

Arsenal overcame a frustrating test to defeat Lille 3-0 and grab their second win of the Champions League league phase.

Mikel Arteta made a number of changes to the side that came from behind against Leeds with Eberechi Eze and Mikel Merino among those to come in with Bukayo Saka a notable name dropping to the bench.

The first big chance of the game came the Gunners' way after 20 minutes when Noni Madueke and Jurrien Timber combined to square for Bruno Guimarães to meet in a great position, but he put his effort wide of the post.

Lille then gave their hosts a scare minutes later when Nabil Bentaleb's strike deflected through for Ayase Ueda to collect and beat David Raya, but Arsenal were relieved to see the offside flag go up with VAR confirming the decision.

Arteta's side continued to push for the opening goal with both Eze and Guimarães seeing efforts well saved by Berke Özer, meaning the two sides went into the break level.

Arsenal continued to push for the opening goal with Lille continuing to be a stubborn opponent until Timber broke the deadlock in fine fashion just after the hour mark. He collected a pass from Madueke to take it round the defender and lob Özer from a difficult angle.

After a very frustrating first hour, the Gunners wasted no time in doubling their advantage when Bukayo Saka, fresh off the bench, targeted Eze running into the box for the number 10 to meet a low cross and fire into the back of the net.

Arteta's side added a third soon after and it was another smart move that preceded the strike as Kai Havertz was played in down the right side of the box to cut it back for Saka to place an effort into the far bottom corner.

Arsenal remained the dominant side for the remainder of the match and while they didn't grab a fourth goal, they managed to keep a clean sheet and see out a key victory in their European campaign.

Here are the Gunners' player ratings from their win over Lille.

Arsenal 3-0 Lille player ratings

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 6.5/10 - A quiet night between the sticks with no saves to make throughout. Good with the ball at his feet.

Jurrien Timber (RB) - 8/10 - Squared for Guimarães after a quick combination with Madueke, but nothing came of it. Broke the deadlock with a fine lobbed finish after setting himself up with an excellent touch. Withdrawn for the closing stages.

Ezri Konsa (CB) - 6.5/10 - Didn't have much to do as his team dominated much of the game. Steady when needed.

Gabriel Magalhães (CB) - 6.5/10 - Like his partner, he wasn't required to do much, but did what was needed of him.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (LB) - 7/10 - Teed Eze up with a neat pullback but it was saved. Made his usual advanced runs as he typically does from midfield. Pretty solid throughout.

Midfielders

Mikel Merino (CM) - 6.5/10 - Had a tame header from the centre of the box saved to be denied the opener. Shown a yellow card for a poorly timed first-half challenge. Subbed with 25 minutes to play, will be frustrated not to have made more of his chance.

Bruno Guimarães (CM) - 7/10 - Missed a great chance from a good position to break the deadlock. Played a great pass through for Lewis-Skelly to square for Eze. Decision making was slightly poor in and around the box at times.

Declan Rice (CM) - 7/10 - Solid in midfield once again with plenty of good passes and stepping up to win battles and contribute in defence.

Forwards

Noni Madueke (RW) - 6/10 - Involved in a smart move with Timber and Guimarães. Set the Dutchman up for the opening goal in the biggest highlight of a pretty sloppy performance. Taken off just after the striker.

Viktor Gyökeres (ST) - 5/10 - Failed to get involved for practically his whole time on the pitch with just one touch in the opposition box. Hooked after 65 minutes.

Eberechi Eze (LW) - 7/10 - Denied by a good save from Özer in the late stages of the first-half. Doubled his side's lead with a well taken finish when he ran on to Saka's low cross. Subbed for the final minutes.

Substitutes

• Martin Ødegaard (on 65' for Merino) - 7/10
• Kai Havertz (on 65' for Gyökeres) - 7/10
• Bukayo Saka (on 65' for Madueke) - 7.5/10
• Ben White (on 78' for Timber) - 6/10
• Max Dowman (on 85' for Eze) - N/A

Player of the match: Jurrien Timber

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