Inter 1-3 Arsenal: Player ratings as Gunners all but secure Champions League top spot

Arsenal all but secured top spot in the Champions League league phase table as they maintained their 100% record with a 3-1 victory against Inter at the San Siro.

Manchester City's shock 3-1 defeat to Bodø/Glimt earlier in the evening meant the Gunners had already secured a spot in the top eight of the knockout phase, but they were still on the hunt for a win in Italy.

Mikel Arteta made seven changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Nottingham Forest on Saturday, bringing in the likes of Eberechi Eze, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Gabriel Jesus and Mikel Merino. Cristhian Mosquera also came into the starting lineup to make his return from injury.

The Gunners made the perfect start in Milan as they took the lead after just 10 minutes. A quick move ended with Jurrien Timber looking to curl a shot into the far corner, but his scuffed effort bounced across the face for Jesus to poke out a foot and knock it past Yann Sommer, breaking the deadlock.

It didn't take long for Inter to level matters and they did so in stunning fashion. Arsenal did well to keep out an initial attacking sequence, but the ball fell for Petar Sucic to rifle in a brilliant first time effort from the edge of the box.

Arsenal restored their lead just after the half-hour mark when Bukayo Saka sent a corner to the far post, where Leandro Trossard met it and headed the ball back across goal. Jesus was in the perfect position to head in from close range and put his side back in front.

Inter looked to pull themselves level for the second time, but good defending by the Gunners prevented them from doing so, meaning the visitors went into the break in control of the tie.

Arteta's side had a glorious chance to add a third near the hour mark when Jesus played a neat through ball to Saka, but the winger hesitated to shoot first time, allowing Alessandro Bastoni to get across and block his effort.

The second-half was end to end, but Arsenal held firm to keep Inter at bay and finally put the seal on victory late on. Gabriel Martinelli sent a great outside of the foot pass upfield for fellow substitute Viktor Gyökeres to chase. He initially tried to play Saka through, but the ball fell back to his feet for him to send a brilliant strike past Sommer.

The Gunners saw out the closing stages to make it seven wins from seven in this season's Champions League and put themselves in pole position to finish top of the league phase table. With their spot in the top eight already secured ahead of kick-off, a win in Italy wasn't crucial for Arsenal, but they got the job done.

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their 3-1 win at Inter.

Inter 1-3 Arsenal player ratings

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 7/10 - Nothing he could do about the very well hit equalising goal. Blocked two crosses by Dimarco to keep pressure off his backline.

Jurrien Timber (RB) - 7.5/10 - Grabbed an assist as his scuffed shot fell to Jesus to poke in the opening goal. Caused his usual problems down the right side, linking up well with Saka, before being withdrawn.

William Saliba (CB) - 7.5/10 - Did well to block the initial strike, but couldn't prevent Inter's leveller. Looked solid defensively once again.

Cristhian Mosquera (CB) - 7/10 - Also blocked an effort in the build-up to the equalising goal. A good return to injury that came to an end when he was taken off with 15 minutes remaining.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (LB) - 7/10 - Looked to have improved on recent displays as he looked a bit more solid in defence. Helped out in attack where possible as he completed a full 90 minutes.

Midfielders

Eberechi Eze (CM) - 6.5/10 - Saw a low driven shot from the edge of the box saved by Sommer at the start of the second-half. Another slightly frustrating display. Subbed off after an hour.

Martín Zubimendi (CM) - 7/10 - Solid appearance at the base of midfield, contributing in attack as he played a number of good passes, as well as doing what was required of him defensively.

Mikel Merino (CM) - 6.5/10 - Had a shot blocked inside the opening minute before conceding a foul. Was shown a yellow card in the second-half.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) - 7.5/10 - Played a part in the second goal as his deep corner was met by Trossard, who headed it back in for Jesus. Almost had a goal of his own, but saw his strike blocked by Bastoni.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) - 8/10 - Put his side ahead with a fine instinctive finish, poking a foot out to knock it past Sommer. Grabbed his second goal when he headed in from close range after a corner. Played Saka in with a neat through ball in the second-half. Subbed off with 15 minutes to play.

Leandro Trossard (LW) - 7/10 - Assisted the second when he met Saka's corner at the back post to head it across for Jesus to head in. Caused a few problems down the left flank throughout the night and was withdrawn for the closing stages.

Substitutes

• Declan Rice (on 64' for Eze) - 6.5/10
• Ben White (on 64' for Timber) - 6.5/10
• Gabriel Magalhaes (on 75' for Mosquera) - 6.5/10
• Viktor Gyökeres (on 75' for Jesus) - 7.5/10
• Gabriel Martinelli (on 79' for Trossard) - 7.5/10

Player of the match: Gabriel Jesus