Arsenal had a monumental clash against Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium, with a chance in the Champions League semifinals up for grabs. Many fans didn’t expect much from head coach Mikel Arteta’s men. Especially with Real Madrid being the defending Champions League victors. Two goals from Declan Rice and Mikel Merino put Arsenal in the driver’s seat of the contest, ahead of the second leg.

Here are the Stadium Rant player ratings:

Arsenal’s Defense

The Gunners’ backline put up a virtuoso performance against Real Madrid. David Raya made a key save from Kylian Mbappe, and Jakub Kiwior did well in Gabriel’s absence alongside William Saliba. The fullbacks, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Jurrien Timber were in exceptional form and played well. Arsenal made a substitution late on when Timber suffered cramps and was replaced by a returning Ben White.

David Raya made many high claims and a crucial save from Mbappe. (7/10)

Jakub Kiwior recovered well from an early mistake and played well as the game progressed. (7/10)

William Saliba quelled every threat Vinicius Junior posed and was a leader at the back with Gabriel out injured. (8/10)

Myles Lewis-Skelly performed exceptionally with an assist for the third goal and continued his amazing form as the inverted left-back. (8/10)

Kieran Tierney protected the left flank from an attacking position. (7/10)

Ben White didn’t play long enough to get a rating.

Arsenal’s Midfield

The engine room of the North London squad dominated proceedings, and their cohesion was on show all night long. Thomas Partey was the lynchpin in midfield, anticipating opposition transition plays and recycling possession admirably. Martin Odegaard worked well on the attack’s right side, creating some good chances. The undisputed star of the night was Declan Rice, who smashed in two goals from dead-ball situations.

Thomas Partey was a general in midfield, showcasing his influence and dictating tempo. (8/10)

Martin Odegaard played well and created some chances. (7/10)

Declan Rice was the Man of the Match, scoring two well-taken free kicks. (9/10)

Arsenal’s Attack

The Arsenal attack was a well-oiled machine that put the Real Madrid defense in the dirt. Bukayo Saka was a constant thorn in the flesh of aging left-back, David Alaba. Gabriel Martinelli gave Federico Valverde a torrid time that left Rodrigo isolated. Make-shift forward, Mikel Merino did well to hold up play and scored the third goal that was the icing on a well-baked cake.

Bukayo Saka threatened the Real Madrid defense consistently with cutbacks, not capitalized by his teammates. (8/10)

Gabriel Martinelli worked well on the left flank and showed his attacking prowess. (7/10)

Mikel Merino scored the third goal to add some gloss to the scoreline. (8/10)

Leandro Trossard did okay in the time he spent on the pitch. (6/10)

End of Arsenal Rant

Stadium Rant had published three reasons why Arsenal would defeat Real Madrid. They included the home record, Bukayo Saka’s return, and the Champions League silverware as the reasons.

It’s good to see how the Gunners eased past the Champions League defending victors, and all eyes will be firmly fixed on the second leg.