Fabio Vieira – 8
After being almost invisible in the first half, Vieira turned up the temp in the second half. Produced a fantastic cross for the opener and then assisted Nketiah’s first with a pitch-perfect through ball. Ultimately filled in well for Odegaard.
Eddie Nketiah – 8
Eddie also had a game of two halves. His only contribution in the first half was a glancing header that went over. But he came alive in the second half, getting into some great positions to score a brace with two well-taken finishes.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7.5
The Brazilian centre-back is Arsenal’s most-used player this season and proved why with another solid performance. Ensured Oxford created no big issues, getting into the right areas to cut out danger – making 4 clearances and winning 7/8 aerial duels.
Mohamed Elneny – 7.5
The Egyptian midfielder acted as the Gunners’ midfield engine and made himself look good amid Lokonga’s issues. Moved the ball around well, won a few key challenges and opened the scoring with a thumping header.
Full of running all game long and despite being undone on quite a few occasions, he did not give up his determination for a goal contribution. Grabbed an assist with a nice pass leading to Nketiah’s second.
Despite being given freedom, Lokonga failed to run the show. His distribution was scrappy and he couldn’t really cut down the fast breaks either. The only notable thing he did was a shot that seemingly hit the hand of an Oxford United keeper. Arsenal scored three after he went off.
The Others
Turner – 7, Holding – 7, Tierney – 6, Saka – 6
Subs
Xhaka – 6.5, Zinchenko – 6.5, Smith Rowe – 6, Marquinhos – N/R, White – N/R
