Arsenal produced a performance of the highest quality as Mikel Arteta's men took an impressive 3-0 lead over Bayer Leverkusen into half time. Having named a strong lineup to face the Bundesliga champions, the Gunners took an early lead and never looked back.
Oleksandr Zinchenko gave Arsenal the lead with a well-worked goal after eight minutes. It was 2-0 less than a minute later, with Leandro Trossard showing fine skill to slot home after some sublime play inside the box.
Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus became the next player to add his name to the scoresheet shortly before the interval as Arteta's men dominated proceedings. Express Sport assesses the first-half performances of the Arsenal starting XI against the German champions.
Related articles
David Raya: 7/10
Didn't have a single shot to keep out in the first half, but the Spanish goalkeeper's passing and general distribution was faultless.
Ben White: 7/10
Quiet by his standards, but the right-back didn't have a lot to do other than build play from the back. Might have more involvement going forward when Saka returns to the team.
William Saliba: 7/10
Despite not having as much time to get fit as his team-mates, the Frenchman looked fresh in judging his clearances and blocks, as many would expect from one of the Premier League's finest defenders. Short of fitness, so no surprise to see him replaced.
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £216 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
With Ultra HD included at no extra cost, football fans can enjoy the 2024/25 season with crystal clear picture quality.
Gabriel: 7/10
Made a couple of smart blocks to deny Florian Wirtz a way through the middle and looked strong in the challenge. Kept Amine Adli in his back pocket.
Oleksandr Zinchenko: 9/10
Produced a brilliant strike to open the scoring after sweeping home into the bottom corner. He didn't neglect his defensive duties either and looked very solid at left-back. Riccardo Calafiori will have a job dislodging him. Earned a rest for the second half.
Jorginho: 7/10
Kept the midfield play ticking along nicely and filled the void at the back in a quarter-back role when Gabriel or Saliba stepped into midfield. The Italian looked more comfortable in that role then when Declan Rice plays.
Kai Havertz: 8/10
The German made a fine run into the left channel to meet Gabriel's pass and his cutback to Zinchenko for the goal was inch-perfect.
Martin Odegaard: 7/10
Used to being Arsenal's creator-in-chief, the Norwegian took a backseat role as Trossard pulled the strings. But his passing and vision still posed a threat to the nervy Leverkusen backline.
Fabio Viera: 6/10
An inauspicious display from the Portuguese midfielder, who was handed a start in the Bukayo Saka role while the Gunners star waits for his return to action. Taken off at half time.
Leandro Trossard: 9/10
Pressed high to win the ball off Aleix Garcia and the composure he showed inside the box was exemplary, as the Belgian made it 2-0 inside 10 minutes. Arteta will know the 28-year-old has tremendous value in this team. Dropped deep at times to help build through the midfield and Leverkusen couldn't handle him buzzing around.
Gabriel Jesus: 8/10
Looked lively with his movement early on and showed good awareness to pull off a dummy for Zinchenko to score. The Brazilian was also involved in the build-up for Trossard's strike and played like he had a point to prove amid links to Victor Osimhen. He will feel like he proved it with a precise 20-yard effort to make it 3-0. Earned himself a break for the second half.
