Arsenal player ratings: Nwaneri makes dazzling impact while Salah stakes claim to first-team spot against Bournemouth
ARSENAL’S young stars impressed during their USA tour opener against Bournemouth.
Ethan Nwaneri and Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand were the stand out performers for the Gunners in Los Angeles on Wednesday night.
Fabio Vieira was on the scoresheet in a 1-1 draw with the Cherries before Arsenal won 5-4 on penalties.
Mikel Arteta had named a side featuring a blend of youth and experience as preparations for the new season continue.
Here are SunSport’s Arsenal player ratings from the match.
Karl Hein – 7
The Estonia international is highly regarded even though he is yet to make a Premier League start since signing in 2018. The most senior keeper here in the absence of David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale looked assured and made a world class save from a Dominic Solanke shot.
Jurrien Timber – 7
The Dutch defender was used as a left-back this time last year before his horror injury ion the opening day of the season. Looked more than comfortable as a central defender in this match with one brilliant goal-saving block.
Ben White – 7
Rested, tanned and a joy to watch at every Arsenal corner winding up Cherries keeper Neto. As efficient as ever at right-back, he looked fit enough to start a Premier League match tomorrow.
Ayden Heaven – 6
Only 17, Heaven is tipped for greatness with a dream headline writer’s name to help him on his way. The tall teenager partnered Timber at the back and looked rock solid.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6
A tidy game at left back from another youngster so much is expected of by Arteta and the Arsenal coaching staff.
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Thomas Partey – 6
The Ghanaian is another being linked with a summer move was solid. He now needs to prove his fitness and staying power to show he can once again be a crucial part of Arsenal’s midfield alongside Declan Rice next season.
Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand – 7
Signed from the Feyenoord youth system, the Dutch midfielder showed some great skills on the ball. Has a chance of featuring regularly in the first team squad if he continues to progress like this.
Ethan Nwaneri – 7.
The latest break through player from Arsenal’s Hale End academy. Smith Rowe’s departure creates a pathway for the Premier League’s youngest ever player, who made a dazzling early impact down the right wing before laying on a decent chance for Eddie Nketiah,
Fabio Vieira – 7
Still so much to prove for the talented Portuguese midfielder. He featured in the Bukayo Saka role wide right. Maybe that is where Arteta seems him developing this season. Scored a brilliant, volleyed opener.
Eddie Nketiah – 6
Subject of interest from a number of clubs it was fitting the striker was named captain on what could be one of the last appearances for a club he has served so well.
Reiss Nelson – 6
Another homegrown talent who has possibly outgrown the club in terms of having no time to secure a starting role. Amazing assist for Vieira’s opening goal but will it be enough to make him more than a sub come the start of the season – if he is still an Arsenal player?
SUBS
Martin Odegaard – 6
The Gunners skipper replaced Salah at the break and instantly added poise and energy to the Arsenal midfield.
Jorginho – 6
The Italian midfielder leant his experience to the Arsenal youngsters.
Jakub Kiwior – 6
Took responsibility for leading the back line after coming on for Heaven. Looked fit and sharp.
Omar Rekik – 6
The Dutch-born Tunisia international centre back looked solid as a replacement for Timber.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6
Got the biggest cheer of the night from the LA Arsenal fans when he came on after 62 minutes and took up his familiar left-back role.
Gabriel Jesus – 6
Looked lively and energetic in the warm Californian evening heat and caused the Bournemouth defence a few problems.
Charles Sagoe Jr – 6
Celebrated his 20th birthday in style with a rare opportunity to impress at first team level.
Leandro Trossard – 6
A relatively quiet night for the Belgium international, who is still working his way back to full fitness after representing his country at the Euros.
Jimi Gower – 6
A big night for the Hale End youngster and he did not put a foot wrong.
Josh Nichols – 6
Another teenager given a taste of the big-time by Arteta.
