Arsenal player ratings vs Athletic Club as Viktor Gyokeres dominates and Martin Zubimendi sparkles

Arsenal ended their pre-season in the perfect way with a 3-0 win over Athletic Club. Viktor Gyokeres was among the goals with plenty of attacking expression from Mikel Arteta's side.

Gyokeres had been lively throughout an entertaining first half to settle the nerves after a mixed summer. He scored with a bullet header, finishing off Martin Zubimendi's pinpoint cross.

Bukayo Sakamade it two just minutes later as Arsenal played purposely through the middle of the pitch. Despite the changes, Arsenal never lost control of the game and continued to create opportunities to make their superiority tell on the scoreboard.

READ MORE: Arsenal first half player ratings vs Athletic Club as Viktor Gyokeres scores and Saka lively

READ MORE: Arsenal vs Athletic Club highlights as Gyokeres, Saka and Havertz score goals in dominant win

Kai Havertz made a point to Gyokeres and perhaps his manager with an excellent solo goal late on to add life into the game after it had been drifting.

Here, football.london has full analysis of each player involved in the win with a trip to Manchester United next on the agenda.

David Raya - Had very little to do in terms of saves but constantly looked to release Arsenal with long kicks, playing to Gyokeres' strengths. 7

Jurrien Timber - Had a poor moment when losing the ball on the edge of the Arsenal area but also started to cause issues with his connections to Saka and Odegaard. 6

William Saliba - Incredibly comfortable next to his favourite partner. Shrugged off anyone coming near him. 7

Gabriel Magalhaes - Sent a few raking switches across to Saka, speeding up play. Played the game at his tempo. 7

Riccardo Calafiori - Some slick touches when playing closely with Martinelli but also got away with a poor pass to Zubimendi in the middle of his own box. The error wasn't punished. 6

Martin Zubimendi - Much more than just a metronome at the base of midfield as he sent passes forward and pushed on. Found Saka and Odegaard in space on the right. Effective at winning the ball back in midfield as well. Almost got a second assist after working hard to cross for Havertz. 8

Declan Rice - A quieter game for Rice but no less useful. Interchanged with Zubimendi at times and still made his late darts to crash the box. Made up for a shocking short corner with a staggering turn of pace to chase back and win possession. 6

Martin Odegaard - Found the groove early with some intricate play next to Zubimendi and Saka. Knocked the ball forward to create a transition for Saka's goal. 7

Bukayo Saka - At his dynamic best, combining well with Odegaard and Timber in the right-side triangle before keeping that up with White. Got to the byline twice with twinkle toes, having one shot denied by Simon when he could have crossed. Finished nicely under pressure for the goal. 8

Viktor Gyokeres - Powered through Athletic with constant runs behind the defence. Produced an expertly timed header with serious direction and strength. Also showed calm touches to sit down his opponent and lay up Calafiori for a big chance.

Scuffed one effort but made the most of each time he got the ball. It was noticeable how quickly Raya looked to set him free. At one point he controlled a long kick with two bodies around him, feeding Saka despite being on the floor. Unfortunate not to have a second after a mixture of Simon and post denied him from adding a diving header to his running thud. 8

Gabriel Martinelli - Always keen to get to the line and did it well, just without too much to show for the sprints. Had one chance from a lengthy run and made the poor decision to shoot with his left foot. Did get an assist, passing neatly to Saka for the open goal. 6

Substitutes

Ben White (On for Calafiori, 45') - Immediately at ease when near Saka. Whipped in a great cross that was marginally out of Timber's reach but always looked to overlap. 7

Noni Madueke (On for Martinelli) - A good start in north London as he played on the left, seeking to get to the byline for crosses. Almost found Saka with a dinked chip across goal. Did pick out Gyokeres, who hit the post with a diving effort. 7

Cristhian Mosquera (On for Gabriel, 62') - Nothing much to do but some valuable minutes in the tank next to the imperious Saliba. Twisted away from pressure once with some good footwork. 6

Myles Lewis-Skelly (On for Timber, 62') - Booked for a kick out and lost the ball in a bad spot shortly after coming on. 5

Kai Havertz (On for Gyokeres, 69') - Made a goal out of nothing, responding to Gyokeres, maybe? Showed incredible pace to drive forward and then strength and composure to finish. 7

Ethan Nwaneri (On for Odegaard, 83') - N/A

Mikel Merino (On for Rice, 83') - N/A