Arsenal ratings: Neto has nightmare debut to forget vs Girona but Ethan Nwaneri shines on first Champions League start
NETO endured a nightmare Arsenal debut but had 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri to thank for sparing his blushes.
The Gunners went into their final Champions League group game against Girona needing a point to rubber stamp their place in the last-16.
Neto had a debt to forget for Arsenal[/caption]
Ethan Nwaneri scored an impressive goal to put the Gunners ahead[/caption]
And with progression all-but assured, boss Mikel Arteta gave summer signing Neto his first game between the sticks.
And the goalkeeper was nervous from the start – giving fans a glimpse as to why he hasn’t been used all season.
Neto was at fault for the opening goal after he was caught in no man’s land to hand the LaLiga side a surprise first-half lead.
Luckily for the Gunners, another stand-in, Jorginho, was able to show his calmness as he converted from the spot to level the game ten minutes later
Ethan Nwaneri then stepped up with a wonderful goal before the break to put Arsenal ahead and into the last 16.
Raheem Sterling was then denied from the spot late on.
SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson has provided his ratings for the Arsenal team…
Neto – 4
He made his long-awaited debut, having joined Arsenal on loan from Bournemouth last summer.
The goalkeeper got away with an early mistake and was caught out by former Spurs star Arnaut Danjuma.
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Thomas Partey 45′ – 6
Too aggressive from the right-back spot and was beaten for pace by Danjuma as Girona opened the scoring.
Partey struggled with the winger for much of the game which gave the hosts an edge.
Managed to win a penalty to give Arsenal a route back into the game after a needless challenge but was hooked at half-time.
Jakub Kiwior – 6
The defender put in a decent shift at the back and was able to keep Abel Ruiz quiet for much of the match.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 6
Like Kiwior, Gabriel was fairly solid against Girona and dealt with most of the danger from the hosts.
Riccardo Calafiori 69′ – 6
Thought he scored the opener but was a good foot offside.
Continued to be positive up the wing and helped the Gunners up the pitch.
Mikel Merino – 6
Merino was fine against Girona. It was not a performance that will grab headlines but did what he needed to do in midfield.
Jorginho 80′ – 7
Jorgino netted from the spot in the first half[/caption]
"I don't want to say who he reminds me of because it puts pressure on him…" 🤐👀
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 29, 2025
Ethan Nwaneri's winning goal was magical ✨
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/QSF1xqpbR1
It’s been a while, but the Italian was back on the scoresheet after converting from the spot in the 38th minute.
The midfielder was composed on the ball and helped recycle the ball and control possession.
Martin Odegaard – 6
It was a quiet night for the Gunners captain as he helped the team maintain the ball but lacked that creative spark.
Raheem Sterling – 4
Struggled to make a big impact in the first half and was the weakest of all of the Gunners’ frontline.
To make matters worse, he was booked for diving in the 70th minute.
And just as he though it couldn’t get even worse, he missed a penalty late on.
Leandro Trossard 69′ – 6
Leandro Trossard was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet[/caption]
Raheem Sterling's penalty is SAVED ⛔️
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 29, 2025
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/WldxNPpCrR
Should have given Arsenal the lead early on but was unable to deflect the ball goalwards.
Continued to prob and rattled the crossbar before the break with a powerful effort.
Ethan Nwaneri 85′ – 8
The youngster showed why he is one of the most promising players at the club with a wonder strike in the first half.
He wrapped a curling effort into the top corner before half-time on his first Champions League start.
His goal saw him become the second youngest English goalscorer in the history of thre Champions League.
Subs
Jurrien Timber 45′ – 6
Added some energy down the left-hand side after replacing Partey at half-time.
Kai Havertz 69′ – 6
Got involved in the attack but struggled to find a clear scoring chance,
Myles Lewis-Skelly 69′ – 6
Another comfortable outing for the impressive youngster.
Declan Rice 80′ – 6
Came on in the final stages to help solidify the defence for the Gunners and put in some dangerous corners.
He did pick up a booking late on.
Gabriel Martinelli 85′ – N/A
Replaced Nwaneri late on and looked dangerous on the wing for the final minutes.
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