Arsenal player ratings: Nketiah silences critics with imposing display but Havertz’s dismal Gunners start continues

ARSENAL continued their unbeaten start to the season as Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah seized on their opportunity to shine.

Nelson opened the scoring in the eighth minute at the G-Tech Community Stand, and the Gunners never looked back.

Reiss Nelson scored the winner to send Arsenal through to the Carabao Cup fourth roundAFP

Eddie Nketiah did a great job at leading the lineAlamy

GettyKai Havertz struggled to impose himself on the match once again[/caption]

They restricted an out-of-sorts Bees side to just two shots on target as Arsenal dominated midfield.

Jorginho, who was at fault for Son Heung-min’s second goal in the North London Derby, pulled the strings as Emile Smith-Rowe also performed well on a rare start.

Mikel Arteta made eight changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Tottenham, including a return to the side for Kai Havertz.

However the German failed to impose himself on the match.

Here is how SunSport’s Kieran Davies rated the Arsenal display.

Aaron Ramsdale – 6

Had little to do, early on in the game seemed keen to impress and was trying to thread passes to play out from the back.

Barely had a shot to save all game.

Ben White – 7

Solid as you like, when Brentford looked to get in behind Arsenal White was often there to cover. Communicated well with the back four throughout.

Takehiro Tomiyasu – 8

The stand-out defender for the Gunners this evening. Looks much more accomplished in this position than at full-back.

Often covered the runs of Wissa and Mbeumo to protect Ramsdale in the Arsenal goal.

Gabriel – 6

Average performance by the centre-back.

Should have been leading by example but always looks like he has a mistake in him. First one to complain to the referee, even when he is at fault.

Jakub Kiwior – 7

Got forward well down the left flank and supported the attacks. Able to get back and do his defensive duties when the counter was on.

Emile Smith-Rowe – 7

Stand-out player in the first half, was involved in most things Arsenal created. Unlucky not to be on the scoresheet as Mark Flekken made a great stop with his feet. Went quiet in the second half.

Jorginho – 7

Was breaking up play and his short passing was setting Arsenal on the attack on numerous occasions.

Grafter’s performance, made it difficult for Brentford to get time on the ball in the middle of the park.

Kai Havertz – 5

Really isn’t living up to his price tag. All too often seems like he has borrowed Harry Potter’s cloak of invisibility.

Came into the game on a couple of occasions in the second half but not enough for such an expensive transfer.

Charles Sagoe Jr – 7

Keen and wanting to get involved, constantly showing for the ball. In the first half he caused Brentford all sorts of problems down the right wing.

Eddie Nketiah – 9

Despite not scoring, held everything together up top. Came short looking for the ball often and held the ball up well to bring other players into the attack.

Unselfishly squared the ball to Nelson for the winning goal after gambling on a weak defensive header back to the keeper.

Reiss Nelson – 7

Showed composure to finish well for the winning goal. Took confidence from that and had a good first half.

Seemed to struggle to get into the game in the second half as he appeared to be lacking match fitness.

Subs

Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6

Struggled to get into the game after coming on. Looked composed on the ball when he had it, ensured Arsenal retained possession to frustrate Brentford.

Gabriel Jesus – 6

As ever, cannot fault his work rate. Comes looking for the ball often but as result finds himself with the ball at his feet nowhere near the goal making it difficult to threaten which is frustrating from a striker.

Martin Odegaard – 7

Calm head towards the end, knows how to hold onto the ball. Intelligent player, ensured that Arsenal held onto the ball and pinned Brentford into their own half.

Mohamed Elneny – 6

Keen to score the goal that put the game to bed. When chances presented themselves, struggled to work the keeper.

Cedric Soares – 6

Came on late in the game to ensure they had numbers in defence.

Played his part in ensuring there were bodies between any Brentford player in possession and Ramsdale’s goal.