Arsenal
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Howler dropping Rayan Cherki’s cross for Nico O’Reilly’s opener started rot: his inclusion poses question of Mikel Arteta’s selection policy. 3
Ben White
Despite his experience, deputy right-back (for Jurriën Timber) was unable to nullify Doku, who caused him serial headaches. Booked for scything down Cherki. 4
Wiliam Saliba
Was up to challenge of Haaland and his pace drew him alongside the giant No 9 in 58th-minute sprint towards Arsenal goal. 5
Gabriel Magalhães
An aimless hoof to no teammate was a surprise but fine goal-bound block of Cherki effort was not. 5
Piero Hincapié
15th-minute yellow for felling Nunes and Semenyo had his beating at will. Was taken off due to the torment. 4
Martín Zubimendi
Tangle with O’Reilly was his only showing as he offered close to nothing in a midfield that went shockingly awol throughout. 5
Declan Rice
A non-factor all game who shook his head despairingly at the final whistle. Has to show up in games like these. 4
Bukayo Saka
Poor. Lost O’Reilly for City’s second. Fluffed corner and often thrown about by O’Reilly. Shift to No 10 berth didn’t work either. 4
Kai Havertz
An Arteta favourite who let his manager down. Missed point-blank chance and conjured zero before paying the price by being hooked. 4
Leandro Trossard
Another of the Gunners whose showpiece occasion passed him by so disappointingly. Replaced on 82 minutes. 4
Viktor Gyökeres
Lively start but service was lacking and faded in frustrating outing for the man bought to score in winner-takes-all games like this. Substituted. 4
Subs: Riccardo Calafiori (Hincapié, 68) 4; Noni Madueke (Havertz, 68) 4; Gabriel Jesus (Gyökeres, 82) 5; Gabriel Martinelli (Trossard, 82) 5
Manchester City
James Trafford
Pep Guardiola was unhappy at distribution but early triple save from Havertz and Saka was vital and City’s deputy can be proud. 7
Matheus Nunes
Muscular right-back offered aggression and flowed along his flank in attack. Stood ball up perfectly for O’Reilly’s second, clinching header. 8
Abdukodir Khusanov
His pace and physicality was detailed to stymie Gyökeres and it did – a defender whose trajectory is only going upwards. 8
Nathan Aké
In for injured Rúben Dias, a sweetly timed challenge stopped Gyökeres charging in and was unflappable throughout. Deserved Guardiola bearhug at end. 8
Nico O’Reilly
What a story: boyhood City fan from Collyhurst opens scoring. Then, guess what: scores a second. Both with his head. 9
Rodri
Struggled for a while to control contest due to Arsenal’s choking press. But his sweeping ball to Cherki initiated O’Reilly’s opener. 8
Bernardo Silva
Captain’s performance epitomised by a tackle at left wing-back deep into final. Floated about in playmaker mode and administered odd dark-arts challenge. 8
Antoine Semenyo
Heavy touch spoiled chance to open scoring but his twisting-turning right-wing act twice created chances for Haaland. 7
Rayan Cherki
Preferred ahead of Phil Foden, drew Guardiola’s ire for aimless aerial ball but cross for O’Reilly opener redeemed all. 8
Jérémy Doku
Probed Ben White and his tenacity so nearly caught Arrizabalaga out in second half. Never gave up the ball. 7
Erling Haaland
Missed simple header from Semenyo cross, then a harder one and Saliba stood up to him in another muted final display. 6
Subs: Phil Foden (Cherki, 89) 6
