Arsenal player ratings as Declan Rice delights again but Bukayo Saka baffles off bench

Arsenal were unable to keep the momentum flowing from their victory over Real Madrid. Drawing with a Brentford side having rotated for the second league match in a row.

Kieran Tierney saw a first-half goal ruled out for offside after being caught by the Bees’ high line from an Ethan Nwaneri cross. They would, after plenty of opportunities, take the lead in the second half as Declan Rice travelled half the length of the field to lay-in Thomas Partey to score.

Yoane Wissa found the net after the Bees made some late pressure pay. The Gunners failing to clear a corner kick and paying the price as William Saliba was beaten to a back-post header before the ball fell to the Brentford forward. Saka had a golden chance to win it at the end but sadly failed stunningly to take a shot when it presented itself.

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Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players:

David Raya – Did well to get down low to a shot from Kristoffer Ajer 20 minutes into the game. Key to Partey's goal, claiming a dangerous corner before quickly thinking to roll the ball to an onrushing Declan Rice. 7

Thomas Partey – Played in the unorthodox role, which becomes more common each season at right-back. However, he was in the right place at the right time to receive Rice's pass and finish very competently past Mark Flekken. 8

William Saliba – Made a very important contribution inside the opening 20 minutes, getting his foot to a counter-attack before Kevin Schade could create a one-on-one with Raya. A very strong game overall but the only mark on the display was perhaps not being strong enough to prevent the header back across the box for the Brentford equaliser. 8

Jakub Kiwior – The Pole just keeps growing in confidence with each passing game, a credit to his circumstance and how he has taken the opportunity. There is a sense of calm that previously was not there when he first came in. 7

Kieran Tierney – He was admittedly miles offside and what would have been a great memory is ripped away. Stopped a dangerous Brentford counter becoming profitable as he got a foot in on Mbeumo. There was a moment in the counter before the Brentford goal where he could have got closer to the Cameroonian forward, however, instead leaving it for Lewis-Skelly. 7

Jorginho – Operated in the deeper midfield role and supplied plenty of orchestrating passes through the midfield and recycling with the defensive line. Such a reliable figure as usual before being forced off the pitch with a suspected rib injury. 7

Declan Rice – Big cheers as expected before, during and after for Declan Rice who produced another strong display. Great run and strike in the first half, beating two men before firing low into Mark Flekken’s gloves.

Rice though would be a star of the second period, running more than half the length of the field before finding Partey for the opening goal of the game. 8

Oleksandr Zinchenko – Some good footwork in the first half to create some opportunities, but he was often deterred from the more direct pathways. 6

Ethan Nwaneri – Produced a brilliant cross which sadly was nodded in by the only player who happened to be offside in the build-up. He had a couple of bright moments but lacked the threat again from when he first broke into the side. 6

Leandro Trossard – Shot from outside the box forced Flekken into a low save but otherwise lacked threat in the first half. Ultimately was again lacking involvement in the second period and will fall again to the bench in midweek. 6

Gabriel Martinelli – Had a great chance on the 35th minute to score, taking down a William Saliba pass into the box gorgeously only to see Ajer slide in to block it. Shifted centrally in the second period with Trossard dropping to the left wing at times, and again was threatening but just lacked that final spark. 7

Substitutions:

Bukayo Saka – Missed a massive opportunity to score having taken the ball off Mark Flekken, dallying before being robbed. 5

Martin Odegaard – Great touch in the box from a long ball to set up Bukayo Saka, who sadly couldn't take the chance. 6

Myles Lewis-Skelly – Very good couple of interceptions having just come on to stop a Brentford counterattack. A few of those will be needed against Rodrygo next week. 6

Jurrien Timber – Sadly could do little to stop the Wissa goal being scored. 5

Mikel Merino – Came on but had little-to-no impact on proceedings. 5