Arsenal Player Ratings vs Bodo/Glimt: 8/10 duo Saka, Turner shine; struggling Nelson gets 4

Arsenal secured a fantastic result in Norway as they played with the handbrake and lacked the cutting edge.

Bodo/Glimt earned the credit for being a gritty outfit in light of facing formidable teams like Arsenal. The home side had some memorable displays against bigger teams like AS Roma last season, while they were also on a winning run of 14 games at home in European competitions.

Bukayo Saka’s solitary goal ended that run and handed Arsenal three crucial points to remain top of their group. Arteta can now focus on the two games against PSV Eindhoven and continue the quest to finish as group winners to avoid an extra round of fixtures.

Arsenal were visibly playing with the handbrake on, while there were concerns about playing on an artificial hybrid turf before the game. In the game, they found themselves wanting in defence, as Bodo/Glimt found a way through a few times.

The Gunners had Matt Turner to thank, as the American goalkeeper produced some decent yet crucial saves to keep them in the game. Saka’s goal, which fortunately ricocheted in the first period, was the only visible shot on target from Arsenal.

That strike was enough to secure a win, as Arteta managed his squad well and ensured they crossed the line with three points. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Mikel Arteta’s men.

Matt Turner: 8/10

Turner produced his best effort in an Arsenal shirt and kept consecutive clean sheets. His excellent performance proved vital, with the Gunners’ attack not playing to its full potential. The American goalkeeper was alert to shots from Bodo/Glimt, making a few crucial stops to deny the home side.

Ben White: 7/10

Ben White continued with his impressive displays from right-back, although he was slightly more conservative against Bodo/Glimt. There were a few interesting overlapping runs to threaten the opposition, but nothing that proved dangerous.

Rob Holding: 6/10

A neat display from the English defender. But there were instances where he should have dealt better with attacks from the opposition. He did not produce the most vibrant display, but it will benefit his confidence to keep a clean sheet.

William Saliba: 6/10

Saliba provided some assurance at the back, but he played with less intensity. Bodo/Glimt’s many attacking moments created openings at the back, showing that the Frenchman was not playing beyond the first gear.

Kieran Tierney: 6/10

Tierney, the player to watch in our preview, was the furthest of all the Arsenal defenders, and it often seemed he was a wing-back. He also aided attempts to build up moves, and he, like others, had the handbrake. The Bodo/Glimt attackers sometimes found luck beating him, which proved the theory.

Albert Sambi Lokonga: 7/10

Lokonga had more responsibility here as he acted as the lone holding midfielder. The Belgian midfielder did well in his role and kept possession of the ball in crucial zones. His pass led to Saka’s goal, for which he would be pleased.

Martin Odegaard: 6/10

Odegaard helped keep things ticking in the middle of the park, and Arsenal sometimes found it difficult to break the Bodo/Glimt defensive lines. He should have had an assist after teeing up Saka after the opening goal.

Fabio Vieira: 5/10

Vieira struggled as the team was not fluid enough for his liking. He kept trying but could not find a way to influence the game. Later, he shifted to the right-hand side but still did not into his stride.

Bukayo Saka: 8/10

Saka looked dangerous in the first half and constantly threatened the Bodo/Glimt defence to find an opening. He did get his goal and had a bit of luck in the process. He should have scored another, but the solitary strike was enough to help Arsenal take all three points in the end.

Eddie Nketiah: 6/10

Nketiah continues to work hard in his role but will rue the lack of opportunities against Bodo/Glimt. The opposition often stopped him in his tracks as he fought hard to find a way through.

Reiss Nelson: 4/10

Nelson had a few good moments but could not make the most of them. He struggled somewhat for the most part and will not look fondly at his first start this season.

SUBSTITUTES

Granit Xhaka: 6/10

Arteta wanted more control of the game and had different ideas to take the game away from Bodo/Glimt. He succeeded by bringing on Xhaka, who brought in the composure that was somewhat lacking before.

Gabriel Martinelli: 5/10

Martinelli came on to bring some freshness into the Arsenal attack and momentarily succeeded as the Bodo/Glimt defence lent their attention towards the Brazilian.

Marquinhos: 5/10

Marquinhos had some decent runs, and keeping the ball in play became a priority in the final third whenever presented with an opportunity.

Takehiro Tomiyasu: 6/10

Tomiyasu replaced Ben White with time left on the clock and played a crucial role in stopping a few moves at the back.

Thomas Partey: 5/10

A late arrival on the pitch to replace Lokonga, as Arteta wanted more steel in the defensive ranks.