Arsenal 4-1 Bayer Leverkusen: Player ratings as Gunners sparkle on Emirates return

Arsenal dazzled in their penultimate pre-season friendly of the summer as they thumped Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen 4-1 on Wednesday evening.

It didn't take long for the Emirates faithful to get a reminder of Arsenal's potency. The majority had barely sat down by the time they were celebrating the Gunners' second goal in the opening ten minutes.

Oleksandr Zinchenko handed the hosts the lead with a crisp strike from the edge of the area before Leandro Trossard swiflty doubled a sharp Arsenal's advantage following a high regain and slick interplay in the Leverkusen box.

The game did settle in the aftermath, although Arsenal were intent on not giving their visitors an inch. Xabi Alonso's side were uncharacteristically sloppy, and the impressive Gabriel Jesus made the most of a loose throw to extend the Gunners' lead before the break.

It was a stellar summer first-half performance from Arteta's side, one we've grown accustomed to against Premier League opposition. They were immense without possession and relentless in their attempts to penetrate in behind a rusty Leverkusen backline.

Leverkusen enjoyed more control as Mikel Arteta rang the changes to start the second half, but it was Kai Havertz who next found the net. The German was in the right place and the right time to convert an attempted Granit Xhaka clearance.

It wasn't the perfect outing for Arteta's men as they failed to keep a clean sheet after former Gunner Nathan Tella broke in behind and squared to fellow substitute Adam Hlozek for a mere consolation. Still, the first-half performance, efficient final third display, and comfort shown by some of Arsenal's young guns meant there was plenty for Arteta to be pleased with.

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from Wednesday's pre-season win.

Arsenal 4-1 Bayer Leverkusen player ratings

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 6.5/10 - No clean sheet for Raya, who didn't have to make his first save until the 44th minute. Raya was proactive from the restart and swift off his line.

Ben White (RB) - 6/10 - A quiet outing for White, who didn't venture forward much and was rarely tested going the other way. Picked up possession in a CCB role on occasions.

William Saliba (CB) - 6.5/10 - The team just seems to play with a bit more zip when Saliba's involved. The Frenchman got 45 minutes under his belt on Wednesday.

Gabriel (CB) - 7/10 - The Brazilian certainly had no intention of treating this like a friendly. Gabriel was full throttle in both boxes. Loose when carrying at times.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) - 7/10 - There might be magic in that #17 shirt. Zinchenko started the evening with a lovely finish and was snappy when tasked to defend down his flank. Withdrawn at the break.

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