
BREAKING NEWS: Although I scored the most dangerous free kick in football history to win for Arsenal Today but I’m not the one that deserves this Man of the match award,I have officially decided to return it to this particular Arsenal player who played out His heart today”, Declan named the ONE Arsenal player who deserves the Man of the match award tonight – Not Ødegaard and Not Merino
Arsenal produced a result for the ages as they stunned Real Madrid 3-0 with Declan Rice scored two brilliant free-kicks.
Sam Dean runs the rule over the performances at the Emirates.
Arsenal (4-3-3)
David Raya
Produced a fine stop to deny the onrushing Mbappe before the break. An assured presence who continues to establish himself as one of Europe’s best.
7/10
Jurrien Timber
So aggressive and powerful in duels, he battled through pain and flew into challenges on the right flank. He must be truly horrible to play against.
8/10
William Saliba
Characteristically unruffled on the big stage. Perhaps aided by his knowledge of Mbappe, his international team-mate. Helped Kiwior through the night.
7/10
Jakub Kiwior
A huge occasion in his Arsenal career and his nerves were obvious. Too loose, too often in the first half but grew into the game after the break.
6/10
Myles Lewis-Skelly
Appeared totally at ease on the biggest night of his professional life. The teenager did what he always does, driving forward and holding off opponents.
8/10
Martin Odegaard
Found it difficult to escape the clutches of Camavinga at times, but was still the man through which Arsenal’s attacks flowed. Constantly fed Saka.
7/10
Thomas Partey
Tidy and composed in midfield, helping to start moves from the base of midfield. Booked in the second half but otherwise an excellent and mature showing.
8/10
Declan Rice
What is there to say about those free-kicks? To do it once is extraordinary enough. To do it twice is ludicrous. Relentless, decisive performance.
9/10
Bukayo Saka
By the end of the first half, he knew he had the beating of Madrid’s left side. After that, he was targeted with rough fouls. Limped off.
8/10
Mikel Merino
Works so hard in this unfamiliar role and genuinely seems to be growing into it. Sweeping, accurate finish capped a selfless display.
8/10
Gabriel Martinelli
Locked in a proper battle with Valverde. Won a few, lost a few. His fierce left-footed drive would have beaten most goalkeepers, but not Courtois.
7/10
Real Madrid (4-4-2)
Thibaut Courtois
Produced some fabulous saves in both halves but will not be remembered for those. Totally beaten, twice, by Rice’s outstanding free-kicks.
6/10
Federico Valverde
A player who can do it all, and he certainly held his own when exposed against Martinelli in defensive situations. He offered very little in attack, though.
6/10
Raul Asencio
Overall, he was unable to manage the unusual threat offered by the out-of-position Merino. Madrid’s defence was scrambling at times.
5/10
Antonio Rudiger
Almost gave Arsenal an early lead by smashing the ball against Camavinga, his own team-mate. Looked uneasy when Saka came inside.
5/10
David Alaba
Became increasingly uncomfortable with the realities of marking Saka. Clearance off the line showed his defensive awareness.
5/10
Rodrygo
The least heralded member of Madrid’s attack and he struggled to have any real impact on this match. Hardly had a sniff.
5/10
Luka Modric
Still going at 39, and still playing those clever disguised passes through the lines. But he simply does not have the legs to keep up with Rice.
6/10
Eduardo Camavinga
A big defensive shift in midfield in the first half, but he lost his grip on the game, as evidenced by his late red card
4/10
Jude Bellingham
Shuffled towards the left flank when Madrid. Produced a fabulous pass for Mbappe’s big chance but was largely out of sight in the second half.
6/10
Kylian Mbappe
The speed and sharpness of his movement terrified the Arsenal defence. Everything he does is quick but he faded after the break.
6/10
Vinicius Junior
Has no defensive responsibilities, instead waiting for the ball at the other end. Curled wide in the first half and then could not get into the game after.
5/10