Arsenal’s debutant goalkeeper, Neto, experienced a challenging night against Girona, characterized by an early error and a concession of a goal to former Tottenham player, Arnaut Danjuma. His performance rating of 4 underscores the difficult start to his Arsenal career, though he was somewhat bailed out by the heroics of a teammate. Neto’s struggles highlighted the defensive vulnerabilities that plagued Arsenal throughout the match.
Thomas Partey, deployed unusually at right-back, also received a low rating, reflecting his struggles against Danjuma’s pace and the concession of the opening goal. Although he managed to win a penalty, his overall performance was underwhelming, leading to his substitution at halftime. This tactical experiment seemed to backfire, leaving Arsenal exposed on the flank.
In contrast, the central defensive pairing of Jakub Kiwior and Gabriel Magalhaes provided a degree of stability, earning respectable ratings for effectively neutralizing Girona’s attacking threats. Their performances offered a bright spot amidst a shaky defensive display. Kiwior’s ability to keep Abel Ruiz quiet and Gabriel’s overall solidity were crucial in preventing further damage.
Riccardo Calafiori, though initially denied a goal due to offside, showed promise with his positive contributions down the wing, while Mikel Merino provided a steady presence in midfield. Jorginho’s return to the scoresheet from the penalty spot and his composed midfield play offered a reminder of his experience and quality, earning him a higher rating. His penalty conversion proved vital in keeping Arsenal in the game.
Martin Odegaard, typically Arsenal’s creative fulcrum, experienced a quiet night, lacking his usual spark and influence. Raheem Sterling’s performance was perhaps the most disappointing of the attacking players, marked by a booking for diving and a missed penalty. His struggles mirrored the overall attacking inefficiencies of the team. Leandro Trossard, despite hitting the crossbar, couldn’t convert his chances, further highlighting Arsenal’s struggles in the final third.
The standout performer for Arsenal was undoubtedly 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who marked his first Champions League start with a stunning goal, earning him the highest rating of the match. His wonder strike proved to be a crucial contribution, temporarily salvaging the game for Arsenal. Nwaneri’s goal not only showcased his immense talent but also etched his name into the history books as the second youngest English goalscorer in the Champions League.
Among the substitutes, Jurrien Timber injected energy down the left flank after replacing Partey, while Kai Havertz struggled to make a significant impact. Myles Lewis-Skelly provided another comfortable display, and Declan Rice added defensive solidity in the closing stages, though he picked up a late booking. Gabriel Martinelli’s brief appearance offered a glimpse of his attacking threat.
Overall, Arsenal’s performance against Girona was a mixed bag, characterized by defensive vulnerabilities, attacking inefficiencies, and a standout performance from a young star. Neto’s debut struggles, Partey’s ineffective deployment at right-back, and Sterling’s disappointing display highlighted areas of concern for the Gunners. However, the solid performances of the central defenders, Jorginho’s penalty, and Nwaneri’s brilliance provided moments of positivity. The match served as a reminder of the team’s inconsistencies and the need for improvement in multiple areas. While Nwaneri’s heroics spared Arsenal’s blushes, the overall performance exposed weaknesses that will need to be addressed moving forward.
