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Arsenal player ratings vs Athletic Bilbao as Viktor Gyokeres stars for the Gunners
Arsenal took on Athletic Club in their final pre-season game of the summer, with Mikel Arteta's side looking to end their preparations for the new season on a high
Arsenal wrapped up their pre-season in style with a 3-0 victory over Athletic Club.
Viktor Gyokeres found the back of the net, adding to an impressive attacking display from Mikel Arteta's squad. Gyokeres was a constant threat throughout the first half, easing any lingering doubts after a summer of mixed fortunes.
He broke the deadlock with a powerful header, expertly meeting Martin Zubimendi's precise cross, reports Football London.
Bukayo Saka doubled the lead just moments later as Arsenal confidently dominated the midfield. Despite several changes, the Gunners maintained control and continued to create chances, asserting their dominance on the scoreboard
Kai Havertz added a third with a superb solo effort late in the game, injecting some energy into proceedings that had started to stagnate. Here, Daily Star Sport provides a comprehensive analysis of each player's performance in the win, with a trip to Manchester United looming.
David Raya - Had little to do in terms of saves but consistently looked to launch Arsenal attacks with long kicks, playing to Gyokeres' strengths. 7.
Jurrien Timber - Had a shaky moment when he lost possession near the edge of the Arsenal box but also began to cause problems with his link-up play with Saka and Odegaard. 6.
William Saliba - Looked incredibly comfortable alongside his preferred partner. Effortlessly shrugged off any opposition players who came near him. 7.
Gabriel Magalhaes - Sent several long-range passes across to Saka, speeding up the pace of the game. Controlled the tempo throughout. 7.
Riccardo Calafiori - Showed some smooth moves when playing in close quarters with Martinelli, but also had a dodgy pass to Zubimendi in his own box that luckily went unpunished. 6.
Martin Zubimendi - More than just a steady presence at the heart of midfield, he was proactive with forward passes and pushing up. Found Saka and Odegaard in space on the right. Effective at reclaiming possession in midfield too. Almost bagged a second assist after working hard to cross for Havertz. 8.
Declan Rice - A less conspicuous game for Rice, but still valuable. Swapped roles with Zubimendi occasionally and continued his late runs into the box. Made amends for a dreadful short corner with an impressive burst of speed to track back and regain possession. 6.
Martin Odegaard - Got into the swing of things early with some intricate play alongside Zubimendi and Saka. Pushed the ball forward to set up a transition for Saka's goal. 7.
Bukayo Saka - At his dynamic best, meshing well with Odegaard and Timber in the right-side triangle before maintaining that with White. Reached the byline twice with nimble footwork, having one shot blocked by Simon when he could have crossed. Finished neatly under pressure for the goal. 8.
Viktor Gyokeres - Charged through Athletic with constant runs behind the defence. Delivered a perfectly timed header with serious direction and power. Also displayed cool touches to outfox his opponent and set up Calafiori for a big chance.
He scuffed one attempt but maximised each opportunity he had with the ball. It was evident how quickly Raya sought to set him free.
At one point, he controlled a long kick with two players around him, managing to feed Saka despite being on the ground. He was unlucky not to score a second after a combination of Simon and the post prevented him from adding a diving header to his running thud. 8.
Gabriel Martinelli - Always eager to reach the line and did so effectively, just without much to show for his efforts. Had one opportunity from a lengthy run but made the poor choice to shoot with his left foot.However, he did manage an assist, neatly passing to Saka for the open goal. 6.
Substitutes.
Ben White (On for Calafiori, 45') - Immediately comfortable when near Saka. Delivered a fantastic cross that was just out of Timber's reach but consistently looked to overlap. 7.
Noni Madueke (On for Martinelli) - Made a promising start in north London as he played on the left, aiming to reach the byline for crosses. Nearly found Saka with a lofted chip across goal. Did manage to find Gyokeres, who hit the post with a diving effort. 7.
Cristhian Mosquera (On for Gabriel, 62') - Not much to do but gained some valuable minutes alongside the formidable Saliba. Managed to evade pressure once with some good footwork. 6.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (On for Timber, 62') - Received a booking for a kick out and lost possession in a dangerous area shortly after coming on. 5.
Kai Havertz (Subbed in for Gyokeres, 69') - Created a goal from thin air, perhaps in response to Gyokeres? Demonstrated remarkable speed to surge forward and then strength and composure to finish. 7.
Ethan Nwaneri (Subbed in for Odegaard, 83') - N/A.
Mikel Merino (Subbed in for Rice, 83') - N/A.
Daily Star Sunday

Arsenal took on Athletic Club in their final pre-season game of the summer, with Mikel Arteta's side looking to end their preparations for the new season on a high
Arsenal wrapped up their pre-season in style with a 3-0 victory over Athletic Club.
Viktor Gyokeres found the back of the net, adding to an impressive attacking display from Mikel Arteta's squad. Gyokeres was a constant threat throughout the first half, easing any lingering doubts after a summer of mixed fortunes.
He broke the deadlock with a powerful header, expertly meeting Martin Zubimendi's precise cross, reports Football London.
Bukayo Saka doubled the lead just moments later as Arsenal confidently dominated the midfield. Despite several changes, the Gunners maintained control and continued to create chances, asserting their dominance on the scoreboard
Kai Havertz added a third with a superb solo effort late in the game, injecting some energy into proceedings that had started to stagnate. Here, Daily Star Sport provides a comprehensive analysis of each player's performance in the win, with a trip to Manchester United looming.
David Raya - Had little to do in terms of saves but consistently looked to launch Arsenal attacks with long kicks, playing to Gyokeres' strengths. 7.
Jurrien Timber - Had a shaky moment when he lost possession near the edge of the Arsenal box but also began to cause problems with his link-up play with Saka and Odegaard. 6.
William Saliba - Looked incredibly comfortable alongside his preferred partner. Effortlessly shrugged off any opposition players who came near him. 7.
Gabriel Magalhaes - Sent several long-range passes across to Saka, speeding up the pace of the game. Controlled the tempo throughout. 7.
Riccardo Calafiori - Showed some smooth moves when playing in close quarters with Martinelli, but also had a dodgy pass to Zubimendi in his own box that luckily went unpunished. 6.
Martin Zubimendi - More than just a steady presence at the heart of midfield, he was proactive with forward passes and pushing up. Found Saka and Odegaard in space on the right. Effective at reclaiming possession in midfield too. Almost bagged a second assist after working hard to cross for Havertz. 8.
Declan Rice - A less conspicuous game for Rice, but still valuable. Swapped roles with Zubimendi occasionally and continued his late runs into the box. Made amends for a dreadful short corner with an impressive burst of speed to track back and regain possession. 6.
Martin Odegaard - Got into the swing of things early with some intricate play alongside Zubimendi and Saka. Pushed the ball forward to set up a transition for Saka's goal. 7.
Bukayo Saka - At his dynamic best, meshing well with Odegaard and Timber in the right-side triangle before maintaining that with White. Reached the byline twice with nimble footwork, having one shot blocked by Simon when he could have crossed. Finished neatly under pressure for the goal. 8.
Viktor Gyokeres - Charged through Athletic with constant runs behind the defence. Delivered a perfectly timed header with serious direction and power. Also displayed cool touches to outfox his opponent and set up Calafiori for a big chance.
He scuffed one attempt but maximised each opportunity he had with the ball. It was evident how quickly Raya sought to set him free.
At one point, he controlled a long kick with two players around him, managing to feed Saka despite being on the ground. He was unlucky not to score a second after a combination of Simon and the post prevented him from adding a diving header to his running thud. 8.
Gabriel Martinelli - Always eager to reach the line and did so effectively, just without much to show for his efforts. Had one opportunity from a lengthy run but made the poor choice to shoot with his left foot.However, he did manage an assist, neatly passing to Saka for the open goal. 6.
Substitutes.
Ben White (On for Calafiori, 45') - Immediately comfortable when near Saka. Delivered a fantastic cross that was just out of Timber's reach but consistently looked to overlap. 7.
Noni Madueke (On for Martinelli) - Made a promising start in north London as he played on the left, aiming to reach the byline for crosses. Nearly found Saka with a lofted chip across goal. Did manage to find Gyokeres, who hit the post with a diving effort. 7.
Cristhian Mosquera (On for Gabriel, 62') - Not much to do but gained some valuable minutes alongside the formidable Saliba. Managed to evade pressure once with some good footwork. 6.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (On for Timber, 62') - Received a booking for a kick out and lost possession in a dangerous area shortly after coming on. 5.
Kai Havertz (Subbed in for Gyokeres, 69') - Created a goal from thin air, perhaps in response to Gyokeres? Demonstrated remarkable speed to surge forward and then strength and composure to finish. 7.
Ethan Nwaneri (Subbed in for Odegaard, 83') - N/A.
Mikel Merino (Subbed in for Rice, 83') - N/A.
Daily Star Sunday