Arsenal player ratings: Dominant Martinelli makes himself undroppable as anonymous Sterling blows big chance
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DECLAN RICE'S first Champions League goal all but secured Arsenal's place in last-16 of Europe's finest. Kai Havetz doubled the home side's lead against Dinamo Zagerb, but it was Gabriel Martinelli's goal involvements that shone the brightest. The Gunners moved up to third in the Uefa league standings but should've been out of sight after missing a flurry of chances.
![[LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 22: Declan Rice of Arsenal scores his team's first goal whilst under pressure from Maxime Bernauer of GNK Dinamo during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Arsenal FC and GNK Dinamo at Emirates Stadium on January 22, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GETTY_Arsenal-FC-v-GNK-Dinamo-UEFA-Champions-League-2024-25-League-Phase-MD7_SPO_GYI2195343270jpg-.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Dinamo, who are level on points in the standings with Manchester City who lost 4-2 to PSG, offered very little for their raucous away support. As such, Mikel Arteta's men are set to finish in the top eight, although automatic qualification isn't mathematically confirmed yet.
![[epa11845844 Kai Havertz (2R) of Arsenal scores his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League league phase match between Arsenal FC and GNK Dinamo Zagreb, in London, Britain, 22 January 2025. EPA/TOLGA AKMEN]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/EPA_Britain-Soccer_11845844jpg-JS965854688.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
On a freezing cold evening in North London, SunSport's Katherine Walsh rates and slates each Arsenal performer. A really poor clearance invited pressure from Dimino's front three in the first-half. A heart in mouth moment for sure. Involved in early attacks and got back to block a dangerous Dinamo counter as things settled in the 12th minute.
![[LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 22: David Raya of Arsenal reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Arsenal FC and GNK Dinamo at Emirates Stadium on January 22, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GETTY_Arsenal-FC-v-GNK-Dinamo-UEFA-Champions-League-2024-25-League-Phase-MD7_SPO_GYI2195346473jpg-.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
But was caught sleeping after Luca Stojkovic won the ball off him on the edge of his box, before Jakub Kiwior's handy interception. Missed a sitter to make it 2-0 after Odegaard put it on a sixpence from a corner. Held off Stojkovic whenever he was called upon, although Dinamo offered little going forward.
![[Soccer Football - Champions League - Arsenal v GNK Dinamo Zagreb - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - January 22, 2025 Objects are thrown onto the pitch by GNK Dinamo Zagreb fans as Arsenal's Declan Rice takes a corner kick REUTERS/Toby Melville]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ae98cf51-20a3-4d3c-82bc-637254da34b4.jpg?strip=all&w=793)
For all the scrutiny he's faced, the Pole saved regular starter Timber from embarrassment and a sure Dinamo goal inside 33 minutes. With teen Myles Lewis Skelly carrying a knock, the Ukrainian was forward thinking and whipped crosses into wasteful Havertz all evening.
![[LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 22: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Stefan Ristovski of GNK Dinamo during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Arsenal FC and GNK Dinamo at Emirates Stadium on January 22, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GETTY_Arsenal-FC-v-GNK-Dinamo-UEFA-Champions-League-2024-25-League-Phase-MD7_SPO_GYI2195350736jpg-.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
