Girona 1-2 Arsenal: Player Ratings & Key Takeaways as Gunners Secure Champions League Last 16 Spot

Arsenal’s Comeback Seals Knockout Stage Berth

Arsenal advanced directly to the Champions League last 16 with a crucial 2-1 comeback win against Girona on Wednesday night. Despite an early setback from former Tottenham winger Arnaut Danjuma, Mikel Arteta’s side responded in style.

A Jorginho penalty and a stunning strike from Ethan Nwaneri turned the game around before halftime, ensuring a third-place finish in the final Champions League league phase standings. The Gunners navigated a tense ending as Cristhian Stuani’s late goal was ruled offside, and Raheem Sterling missed a stoppage-time penalty.

Girona vs Arsenal: Player Ratings & Performances

Girona Player Ratings (4-2-3-1)

(Ratings by FotMob)

• GK: Pau Lopez – 7.7/10
• RB: Arnau Martinez – 6.4/10
• CB: Antal Yaakobishvili – 6.4/10
• CB: Juanpe (c) – 7.2/10
• LB: Alejandro Frances – 6.0/10
• CM: Ivan Martin – 6.9/10
• CM: Oriol Romeu – 6.7/10
• RM: Yaser Asprilla – 6.4/10
• AM: Viktor Tsyhankov – 6.4/10
• LM: Arnaut Danjuma – 7.7/10 ⭐ (Girona’s best player)
• ST: Abel Ruiz – 6.1/10

Substitutes:

• Cristhian Stuani (57’ for Ruiz) – 5.9/10
• Jhon Solis (57’ for Asprilla) – 6.1/10
• Yangel Herrera (57’ for Romeu) – 6.1/10
• Donny van de Beek (68’ for Tsyhankov) – 6.1/10
• Cristian Portu (68’ for Martin) – 6.0/10

Arsenal Player Ratings (4-3-3)

(Ratings by FotMob)

• GK: Neto – 5.6/10
• RB: Thomas Partey – 7.2/10
• CB: Jakub Kiwior – 6.9/10
• CB: Gabriel – 6.6/10
• LB: Riccardo Calafiori – 7.6/10
• CM: Martin Odegaard (c) – 7.5/10
• CM: Jorginho – 7.8/10 ⚽ (Crucial penalty goal)
• CM: Mikel Merino – 7.6/10
• RW: Ethan Nwaneri – 7.7/10 ⚽ (Incredible goal!)
• ST: Leandro Trossard – 7.9/10 ⭐ (Man of the match)
• LW: Raheem Sterling – 6.9/10

Substitutes:

• Jurrien Timber (46’ for Partey) – 6.9/10
• Myles Lewis-Skelly (70’ for Calafiori) – 6.6/10
• Kai Havertz (70’ for Trossard) – 6.4/10
• Declan Rice (82’ for Jorginho) – N/A
• Gabriel Martinelli (87’ for Nwaneri) – N/A

🔍 Key Takeaways from Arsenal’s Win

✅ Resilient Comeback: Despite going behind early, Arsenal showed composure and quality to secure a massive win.
✅ Young Stars Shine: Ethan Nwaneri’s goal showcased the exciting talent in Arsenal’s ranks.
✅ Trossard’s Impact: The Belgian forward was instrumental in attack, earning the Man of the Match award.
✅ Missed Opportunities: Raheem Sterling’s late penalty miss could have added extra insurance but ultimately didn’t affect the outcome.

📢 What’s Next for Arsenal?

With this victory, Arsenal qualify directly for the Champions League Round of 16 and avoid the knockout play-off round. But do they have what it takes to go all the way? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👇