Arsenal half time player ratings: 'Reborn' 9/10 but 5 must 'wake up' in frantic Crystal Palace clash

It was a frantic opening 15 minutes as Arsenal took on Crystal Palace for the second time this week at Selhurst Park on Saturday evening.

Gabriel Jesus scored his first league goal of the season to open the scoring but it took the hosts just five minutes to reply thanks to a swaggering Ismalia Sarr finish. Having waited so long for one, Jesus then found the back of the net once again after the latest clever corner kick routine with 15 minutes on the clock.

The Gunners go in at the break leading 3-1 with Kai Havertz also on target but there has been one major cause for concern thrown Mikel Arteta’s way. Starboy Bukayo Saka appeared to pick up a knee injury and needed replacing by Leandro Trossard after 23 minutes.

Here’s how the Arsenal players rated in the first half against Crystal Place.

Arsenal half time player ratings

GK - David Raya, 7

Made a show-stopping save against Jean-Philippe Mateta when the striker looked destined to score following a William Saliba error. Is taking a little too long on the ball today with the Eagles smelling blood as the keeper delays.

LB - Myles Lewis-Skelly, 7

Confident so far, but Sarr looked a danger as he nips in and out of that flank.

CB - William Saliba, 5

Needs to wake up a little. Let Sarr run at him for too long before the Crystal Palace goal and dispossessed right on the edge of the Gunners box after 20 minutes, which would’ve led to a leveller if not for Raya’s heroics.

CB - Gabriel, 7

Shown a yellow card for a silly pull back on Sarr after a clumsy, failed attempt to win the ball. Hit the bar from a corner just before the break.

RB - Jurrien Timber, 7

Looks comfortable with the greater Palace threat coming through the middle and down the right.

CM - Thomas Partey, 6

Arsenal don’t look all that solid in the centre of the park. Was fed a poor pass by Raya in a hair-raising moment but needed to be more aware of his surroundings too.

CM - Martin Odegaard, 8

Looking to make things happen with quick releases to set Arsenal off on the break.

CM - Kai Havertz, 7

Playing further back tonight but busying himself where possible. Right place, right time to take that easy chance before the break and make it 3-1.

LW - Gabriel Martinelli, 8

Put in a delicious corner before the second Jesus goal. Looks more dangerous on the right and had a decent chance at an Arsenal fourth in added time.

ST - Gabriel Jesus, 9

Hello, Gabriel Jesus. The scorer of the two first Arsenal goals, a determined celebration showed how much he needed that. A striker reborn with the confidence he casually struck home from distance for the second, the Brazilian also hit the post in the run-up to the Havertz goal.

RW - Bukayo Saka, 8

Put in a lovely cross for the opening goal and looked dangerous on the breaks before coming off with a worrying injury.

SUB - Leandro Trossard, 6

Taking a little time to warm up the game after his surprise early introduction.