Arsenal player ratings: Raya shines as Havertz and Saka flop vs Leeds

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Arsenal came from behind to beat Leeds United 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, moving level at the top of the Premier League table, but the performance was far from convincing. James Justin put the visitors ahead in the 55th minute before Riccardo Calafiori equalised and substitute Bruno Guimaraes struck the winner in the 70th minute.

The scoreline suggests a routine victory, but individual displays told a different story, with several Arsenal regulars struggling to impose themselves on the game.

David Raya the standout performer

Goalkeeper David Raya was rated the best player on the pitch, with GiveMeSport awarding him an A grade and noting he was the only player to perform at a high level throughout. Without his interventions, the result could have looked very different.

At the other end of the spectrum, Kai Havertz endured a difficult afternoon after starting despite picking up an injury on international duty with Germany. He struggled to hold up play or get involved in the final third, earning the lowest grade of the day.

Bukayo Saka also had a game to forget, failing to create much down the right and missing a glaring chance late on, while Noni Madueke's inclusion in the starting XI drew criticism, with his final product described as non-existent despite playing the full 90 minutes.

Rice and Odegaard steady the ship

Declan Rice was below his usual standard for much of the match, with his passing safe but his overall threat limited, though he produced a key assist for Guimaraes' winner once Arsenal fell behind. Martin Odegaard struggled early on but took control of the game after Leeds' opener, dictating tempo and helping engineer the comeback.

Defensively, Ben White had a tough first half before setting up Calafiori's equaliser with a header across goal, and was substituted shortly after. Gabriel was also below his best, struggling with the physicality of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, while Riccardo Calafiori was singled out as one of the few players to impress, continuing his strong recent form at left-back.

Off the bench, Bruno Guimaraes made an immediate impact, scoring the winner and transforming the game after coming on, prompting suggestions he should now be considered for a starting role. Jurrien Timber also impressed after replacing White, with Leeds struggling to create chances once he entered the fray. Viktor Gyokeres, meanwhile, was again used as a substitute despite scoring in all four of Sweden's games during the international break, and was criticised for failing to convert a late opportunity.

Arsenal will need a more consistent collective performance as the season progresses, particularly from key attacking players like Saka and Havertz, if they are to maintain their position at the top of the table.