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Arsenal will return home to London the happier of the two sides after the Gunners secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid.
A penalty from Viktor Gyokeres opened the scoring for the Gunners in a first half that they completely dominated, though a mistake from Ben White let the hosts back into it in the second half as his handball led to a penalty.
Julian Alvarez stepped up to level the game from the spot in what was the last goal of the match, with Ademola Lookman missing a big chance, Gabriel making a pivotal block from Antoine Griezmann and Eberechi Eze having a penalty controversially overturned.
In the end Mikel Arteta’s side secured a 1-1 draw to take back to the Emirates, and it means the Gunners will be favourites to progress to the Champions League final when the two teams meet in next week’s second leg.
Here are The Independent’s player ratingsfor Arsenal’s draw at the Metropolitano.
David Raya – 8
The Arsenal ‘keeper produced a good save from Alvarez early on and also saved well from Ademola Lookman on two occasions. He was as dependable as usual on set-pieces and crosses too.
Ben White – 5
White was probably a bit unlucky to give away the penalty but he is experienced enough to know not to leave an arm flailing around in the area. He also let Lookman free for great chance in the 74th minute, and was lucky the Nigeria international didn’t go down, as it would likely have been another penalty conceded.
William Saliba – 7
Another solid performance from the Frenchman, who did little wrong as the Gunners dominated the first half. Arsenal gave up more after the break, but Saliba stood firm under the pressure.
Gabriel – 7
Alongside Saliba, the Brazilian was key in limiting Atletico’s chances. He also produced a superb block from a rebound, preventing an almost certain goal from Antoine Griezmann.
Piero Hincapie – 6
Hincapie kept Giuliano Simeone quiet and made a couple of decent blocks, and he was unlucky not to make more of an opening from an early Madueke cross. A solid showing overall from the Ecuadorian.
Martin Odegaard – 6
The Arsenal captain brings a different dimension to his side’s attack, and it showed once more as he combined well with Martin Zubimendi in the lead-up to Arsenal’s penalty. Was solid enough as Arsenal controlled the first half, but perhaps should have made more from a Gyokeres pass early on. Was unlucky to come off so early into the second half.
Martin Zubimendi – 6
The Spaniard was a key cog in the Arsenal midfield as the Gunners dominated the first half, and a lovely touch and pass into Gyokeres saw the Sweden international win the penalty for the opener.
Declan Rice – 7
Rice was once again Arsenal’s most important midfielder, clearing up numerous Atletico attacks with decisive interceptions. He produced a vital challenge in his own box to prevent a scoring chance for Alvarez, and could have been Arsenal’s man of the match if not for the contribution from Gyokeres.
Noni Madueke – 6
The winger was the most threatening of Arsenal’s forwards in the first half, but he faded in the second before being taken off on 68 minutes. His teammates could have done better from a dangerous cross early on but overall did not do enough to trouble the home defence.
Viktor Gyokeres – 8
The Arsenal striker has come under fire for a lack of consistency but started tonight in the absence of Kai Havertz. He went on to produce what Martin Keown called his best 45 minutes in an Arsenal shirt.
A great early run showed his intent as he got his side out of their half before teeing up Odegaard, who probably should have done better with a shooting opportunity. He was then clever to win the penalty, getting goal-side of David Hancko to give the referee an easy decision.
The Sweden international then rifled a low effort past Jan Oblak to open the scoring from the spot. He faded a little as Arsenal began to struggle in the second half, but it was a solid outing that proved he has a part to play at the business end of the season.
Gabriel Martinelli – 5
The Brazilian was a passenger for most of the game and was wasteful at times. He didn’t offer enough in attack and was an obvious substitution to make.
Substitutes:
Eberechi Eze for Odegaard, 57’ – 7
The England international was the sharpest man on the pitch as he darted in front of Hancko to win Arsenal’s second penalty, but was unlucky as it was overturned. Led the charge as the Gunners regained control and this cameo and his goal at Newcastle showed he could stay play a pivotal role in the final games of the season.
Leandro Trossard for Martinelli, 68’ – 4
The Belgian lost possession in his first action after coming on and it set the tone for another uninspiring performance. Simply has not offered enough in recent weeks.
Bukayo Saka for Noni Madueke, 68’ – 5
The England winger was a little more involved than the other Arsenal subs – bar Eze – but was unable to produce anything notable in attack.
Gabriel Jesus for Gyokeres, 69’ – 5
The Arsenal striker was unable to get into the game as Arsenal lost their rhythm late into the second half.
Cristhian Mosquera for White, 86’ – N/A
Spaniard came on in the final few minutes but did not get a chance to make any sort of mark on the game, though he did test Oblak from range.
