Player Ratings: Arsenal 1-1 Brentford as Real Madrid loom large 

A low-key London derby saw a point apiece for Arsenal and Brentford with the Gunners thoughts now on Real Madrid 

Thomas Partey's second half opener was cancelled out by Yoan Wissa's equaliser as both teams earmed a point after an instantly forgettable 1-1 draw in North London on Saturday afternoon. 

With the second leg in Madrid looming large next week, find out who impressed with our Player Ratings

Player Ratings:

David Raya: 7/10 - Saved well from Kristoffer Ajer in the opening stages. Excellent distribution after safely claiming a Bees corner led to the Gunners goal

Thomas Partey: 8/10 - Slotted in at right-back once more when needs must and grows more into the inverted role by the game. Showed a superb engine by powering from his own box to the Bees area, to fire home after being teed up by Rice to make it 1-0

William Saliba: 7.5/10 - Such a powerhouse when driving forward, while impervious at snuffing out danger at the back. Involved in an absorbing duel with Bees’ Bryan Mbeumo.

Jakub Kiwior: 7.5/10 - Grows in confidence by the game, especially after his defensive heroics last week in keeping the fearsome Real Madrid attack at bay.

Kieran Tierney: 7.5/10 - Kept dangerous Bees attacker Kevin Schade quiet in a compelling battle down the left flank. Good to see the popular Scot back in the position he was signed for seven long years ago. Will surely return to Parkhead this summer with the best wishes of every Arsenal supporter near and far

Jorginho: 7/10 - One of the most tactically astute players in the squad. A career in coaching surely beckons. Went down in pain late on after falling awkwardly on his side and arm, before hobbling off in distress. One can only hope the Italian international will be ok.

Declan Rice: 7.5/10 - Wednesday evening’s hero against the mighty Real Madrid worked hard in a bid to break down the banks of Brentford defensive blocks. Foiled by Bees keeper Flekken moments before the interval after a driving run into the box. Grabbed an assist when showing his fitness and athleticism by driving from box to box to feed Partey, who fired home to make it 1-0 just after the hour mark

Alex Zinchenko: 7/10 - Solid and reliable, but also provided an edge when working space to test Bees keeper Mark Flekken before the interval.

Leandro Trossard: 6/10 - Forced a save from Flekken just before the break, after working space on the edge of the area but faded after the break

Ethan Nwaneri: 7/10 - Tricky without being completely influential. Back in the startling XI and good to see the intelligent teenager understand his defensive duties, by stepping into space vacated by Thomas Partey when the erstwhile midfielder pushed forward from his right-back role against the Bees

Gabi Martinelli: 7/10 - Lively. Always a threat with the ball, and a menace with his movement off it. Surely denied a goal by Kristoffer Ajer’s praiseworthy last-gasp block following a deft ball into the box from Saliba.

Substitutes:

Myles Lewis-Skelly: 7/10 - Switched for Tierney after Partey’s goal broke the deadlock

Martin Odegaard: 7/10 - Replaced Zinchenko on 62 minutes with the Gunners ahead

Bukayo Saka: 7/10 - Bar the reception for Partey’s goal received the biggest cheer of the evening when coming on for Nwaneri on 63 minute. Should have scored when presented with a gaping goal late on but took too many touches and the chance was lost

Jurrien Timber: 7/10 - On for goalscorer Partey on 69 minutes

Mikel Merino: 7/10 - Came on for Declan Rice after Bees equaliser as the Gunners hunted a winner with the big man up front

Goal. Arsenal 1-1 Brentford. Yoane Wissa equalises on 74 minutes pic.twitter.com/XgUVAoJuKl

— Layth (@laythy29) April 12, 2025