Arsenal player ratings vs Sevilla. Jesus stars once again.

 

Gabriel Jesus stared once again for Arsenal

Arsenal ended their pre-season preparations in stunning style thrashing Spanish outfit Sevilla by 6 goals to nil. It brings to a close in what has been a near perfect pre-season for Mikel Arteta's men, winning all 6 of their games, scoring 25 goals and conceding only 5 goals. 

Arsenal came out the blocks quick, with a wonderful Martin Odegaard ball finding Bukayo Saka who was shoved to the floor by Sevilla defender Omar Rekik and referee Andy Madley was told by his assistant to point the spot. Saka as cool as you like from the spot as he stroked it in for 1-0.

Jesus continued his fine form as he netted Arsenal's second after some good work from Gabriel Martinelli, it wasn't long in fact only about 60 seconds when we saw Martinelli put in a delicious cross towards the back post where who else but Gabriel Jesus was waiting to nod it home. A typical Gabriel Jesus goal.

We weren't even 20 minutes in when Arsenal had four after some superb pressing from the team forced a mistake out of Sevilla goalie Yassine Bounou who gave the ball away straight to Bukayo Saka who fired home on a near empty net for 4. 

Arsenal were in control for the whole game with Ramsdale not even having to make a save throughout and it easily could of been more than 6 but late in the second half Gabriel Jesus completed his hat trick after pouncing on a rebound from a corner. Eddie Nketiah finished the scoring with a simple tap in after Martinelli unselfishly played the ball to him from a quick counter attack. 

Mikel really couldn't of asked for a better pre-season, he has been able to test new and old players, let new signings become familiar with the system and the squad morale must be extremely high going into the new season.

Here are your player ratings:

  Aaron Ramsdale: 7/10- Ramsdale could of brough the newspaper to read today that's how dominate Arsenal were but still had some lovely defence splitting passes to find Martinelli which beginning to become a bit of a common theme now. Towards the end of last season looked like he was carrying a injury of some sort but now his kicking looks back to his best now. 

Ben White: 8/10- Once again playing at right to accommodate Saliba at centre and would be stunned not to see him play at right back on Friday night but was extremely solid as always. Still offers so much at right back and even was impressive going forward at times

William Saliba: 9/10- Wow we are lucky to have this man at our club. I'm not even biased when I say this but he hasn't put a foot wrong in any of the four games he's played. Comfortable, composed and calm on and off the ball, took out three Sevilla players out of the game at one point all from his calmness on the ball. Won nearly all his duels and is without nailed to start on Friday unless any injury occurs between now and then. The Premier League will be the real test but if Mikel had any doubts about William ability those doubts have been answered now.

Gabriel: 8/10- Very solid as always, commanding and now forming a fordable bond with William Saliba which could be at the centre of Arsenal defence for many years.

Oleksandr Zinchenko: 8/10- Second Arsenal outing, second solid performance. Very good early signs from Zinchenko and he looks nailed on to start with the injury of Kieran Tierney for Palace on Friday. Once again we saw him dropping into midfield throughout the game and playing the role of that inverted wing back. Also seems to be forming a good partnership with Gabriel Martinelli on the left hand side.   

Thomas Partey: 8/10- Very good performance with some superb passes. There is obviously a lot going around Thomas Partey at the moment off the pitch and I've said my thoughts on the whole situation on my twitter, it's best for us not to speculate and let the people find justice correctly. 

Granit Xhaka: 8/10- Granit has enjoyed an excellent pre-season, lovely nutmeg and pass to find Martinelli for Eddie's goal. Was very unlucky not to score as well as he had a lovely volley attempt just go over the bar. He divides opinion but there is no doubt Mikel see him as integral part of Arsenal upcoming season. 

Gabriel Martinelli: 8/10- Lively as always, very direct and got two assists to show for it, his ball to find Jesus at the back post was superb, never let the Sevilla defence live easy. Still a lot to work on but you feel with the right bit of training this could be a season Martinelli explodes in. 

Martin Odegaard: 9/10- Martin first 90 as Arsenal official new captain and he didn't disappoint. Some gorgeous passes and flicks throughout, his pass to find Saka which led to the penalty was really out of nothing. When he's on form he's an absolute joy to watch. Also some very nice link up play with Gabriel Jesus at times. Arsenal new skipper!

Bukayo Saka: 8/10- Was causing nightmares for the Sevilla defence in the first half hour and it showed with two goals, had a bit of quiet second half looked desperate to bring home the match ball. 

Gabriel Jesus: 10/10 (MOTM)- We're running out of superlatives to describe Gabriel Jesus start to life at Arsenal. Yes the real challenges are ahead but 7 goals in 5 pre-season games in a ridiculous tally. The Brazilian couldn't of asked for better welcome to the Emirates than a hat-trick on his home debut. All three of his goals were typical Jesus goals, he's a predator in the box and always ready to pounce on any mistake or loose ball. He also has taken Arsenal pressing to another level, Arsenal were missing that final piece of the puzzle to employ a full press and they found in Gabriel Jesus, he was that missing piece of the puzzle. An incredible pre-season for Gabby let's hope he can do it in the Premier League now as well. 

  

The excitement levels are beginning to kick in as we looked forward to what will hopefully be a very good season and Arsenal for once in years actually look ready for the start of the season. All will be seen on Friday, pre-season means nothing if they can't beat Crystal Palace. Only 6 days to go now!