{"id":354,"date":"2026-03-18T08:04:14","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T08:04:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osport.com.ng\/?p=354"},"modified":"2026-03-18T08:04:14","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T08:04:14","slug":"player-ratings-as-gunners-cruise-to-last-eight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osport.com.ng\/?p=354","title":{"rendered":"Player ratings as Gunners cruise to last eight"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Arsenal managed a 2-0 win to defeat Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 on aggregate in the Champions League round of 16.<\/p>\n

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Mikel Arteta made a few changes for the clash with Viktor Gy\u00f6keres, Leandro Trossard, Piero Hincapi\u00e9 and Ben White all being brought into the side. Kai Havertz and Max Dowman were among those named on the bench.<\/p>\n

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An eventful start to proceedings saw both sides have chances with Trossard denied the best opportunity. The Belgian collected the ball on the edge of the box and looked to curl a strike into the top corner, but Janis Blaswich got across to keep it out.<\/p>\n

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The Gunners continued to push for the opener on the night with Trossard, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka all being denied by a series of brilliant saves by Blaswich.<\/p>\n

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The German shotstopper was finally beaten after the half hour mark when Eberechi Eze controlled the ball on the turn before firing an incredible volley into the back of the net. That magic moment was enough to put the hosts ahead at the break.<\/p>\n

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Eze’s wondergoal has us up at the half.<\/p>\n

Let’s keep working to lock this off, Gunners 👊 pic.twitter.com\/ykktfLir8F<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n

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Rice added a second for his side just past the hour when he collected a loose ball to set himself before beating Blaswich with a fine strike into the bottom far corner, putting his side in control of the tie.<\/p>\n

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Substitute Havertz thought he had added a third against his former side when he knocked the ball in from close range, but a VAR checked ruled it had come off his hand while he was tussling with Leverkusen defenders.<\/p>\n

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That didn’t matter though as the Gunners saw out the closing stages to seal their spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, setting up a tie with Sporting in the last eight.<\/p>\n

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Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their 2-0 win over Leverkusen.<\/p>\n

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Arsenal 2-0 (3-1 agg) Bayer Leverkusen player ratings<\/h2>\n

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\"Declan<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n

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Crucial in midfield | Alex Burstow\/GettyImages<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n

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Goalkeeper & Defenders<\/h3>\n

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David Raya (GK) – 7.5\/10 – <\/strong>Really good in collecting balls into the box. Made a brilliant save to deny Leverkusen a potential comeback starter late on.<\/p>\n

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Ben White (RB) – 7\/10 – <\/strong>Solid in a return to right back. Got up the pitch when he could and defended well on his side. Taken off with 20 minutes to play.<\/p>\n

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William Saliba (CB) – 7.5\/10 – <\/strong>Really positive at the back and had some good battles with the Leverkusen attackers.<\/p>\n

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Gabriel Magalhaes (CB) – 7.5\/10 – <\/strong>Brilliant like his partner. Had a couple chances from corners in the first-half, but couldn’t take them. Will be pleased with the win and clean sheet.<\/p>\n

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Piero Hincapi\u00e9 (LB) – 7\/10 – <\/strong>Another good showing against his former side, getting up in attack as well as defending well.<\/p>\n

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Midfielders<\/h3>\n

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Mart\u00edn Zubimendi (CM) – 7\/10 – <\/strong>Classy at the base and did what he needed to do. Allowed some respite when he was replaced after 68 minutes.<\/p>\n

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Declan Rice (CM) – 8.5\/10 – <\/strong>Fired a thumping free kick effort towards goal, but it was saved. Added a second for his side with a well-taken low strike after picking up a loose clearance. Caused problems with his set piece deliveries all night.<\/p>\n

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Eberechi Eze (AM) – 8\/10 – <\/strong>Put his side in front with an unbelievable volley in the first-half. Continued to cause problems before being forced off in the second-half.<\/p>\n

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Forwards<\/h3>\n

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Bukayo Saka (RW) – 7\/10 – <\/strong>Saw a first time strike saved well. Source of trouble on the right side and could have had an assist for Havertz, but the goal was ruled out.<\/p>\n

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Viktor Gy\u00f6keres (ST) – 7\/10 – <\/strong>Played Rice through into the box with a really nice first touch pass. Did well to win a few corners for his side, but will be disappointed not to have got on the scoresheet. Brought off in the late stages.<\/p>\n

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Leandro Trossard (LW) – 7\/10 – <\/strong>Denied a stunning opening goal by a great save. Saw two more strikes kept out brilliantly. Assisted Eze’s opener with a neat pass. Withdrawn after the break.<\/p>\n

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Substitutes<\/h3>\n

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  • Christian N\u00f8rgaard (on 68′ for Zubimendi) – 6.5\/10<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Cristhian Mosquera (on 69′ for White) – 6.5\/10<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Gabriel Martinelli (on 69′ for Trossard) – 6.5\/10<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Kai Havertz (on 69′ for Eze) – 7\/10<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Myles Lewis-Skelly (on 90′ for Root) – N\/A<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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    Player of the match: Declan Rice<\/h3>\n

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