Arsenal Player Ratings vs Lille: Timber and Saka Impress as Gyokeres Struggles

According to a report by the Evening Standard on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Arsenal secured a 3-0 victory over Lille in the UEFA Champions League, with Jurrien Timber, Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka scoring in a late attacking surge at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to break down their French opponents for more than an hour before Timber opened the scoring with an excellent finish. Eze and Saka subsequently found the net to ensure Arsenal maintained their winning start to the European campaign.

Goalkeeper David Raya received a rating of 6/10 after keeping a clean sheet without making a save. He nearly gifted Lille an opportunity in the first half when he dropped the ball at an opponent’s feet, but Declan Rice intervened to prevent danger.

Timber earned the highest rating among Arsenal’s starting players, receiving 8/10 for his contribution at both ends of the pitch. The defender consistently threatened Lille’s backline before lifting the ball over the goalkeeper to break the deadlock. He also created significant opportunities for Bruno Guimaraes and Mikel Merino while remaining dependable defensively.

Rice also received 8/10 after controlling the midfield with accurate passing and helping Arsenal improve following a disappointing first-half display. Guimaraes earned 7/10 for his energy and incisive distribution, although he missed a clear opportunity from close range.

Ezri Konsa and Gabriel both received 7/10 for their defensive performances, while Myles Lewis-Skelly also earned the same rating after improving as the match progressed. Lewis-Skelly created several opportunities, including one for Eze.

However, Merino and Viktor Gyokeres were Arsenal’s lowest-rated players, both receiving 3/10. Merino struggled to maintain the required tempo, lost possession frequently and missed two opportunities before being substituted.

Gyokeres endured another quiet outing, registering only seven touches in the first half and failing to record a shot before leaving the pitch in the 65th minute.

Noni Madueke received 5/10 despite providing the pass that led to Timber’s opener, while Eze was awarded 6/10 after improving considerably in the closing stages.

Arteta’s substitutions proved decisive. Kai Havertz received 7/10 after assisting Saka, while Saka earned 8/10 for his immediate impact, setting up Eze before calmly finishing to complete the scoring. Martin Odegaard also received 7/10 for helping Arsenal establish control after coming on.

Ben White earned 6/10 after a comfortable late appearance, while Max Dowman was not given a rating.