---
title: "Arsenal player ratings v Lille: Saka changes game as Timber shines"
canonical: "https://readarsenal.com/2026/10/13/arsenal-player-ratings-lille-saka-timber/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Gary Gowers"
section: "Matchdays"
published: "2026-10-13T21:19:48Z"
modified: "2026-10-13T21:19:49Z"
---

# Arsenal player ratings v Lille: Saka changes game as Timber shines

**[Arsenal](https://readarsenal.com/) scored three times in seven second-half minutes to beat Lille 3-0 in the Champions League at the Emirates.**

Jurrien Timber broke the deadlock before Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka completed the scoring. Here are our Arsenal player ratings.

## Arsenal player ratings v Lille

**David Raya – 7**

Had little to do as Lille failed to register a shot on target. Another clean sheet for the Arsenal goalkeeper.

**Jurrien Timber – 9**

Arsenal’s best starter. Defended well, pushed forward whenever possible and lifted a fine finish over Berke Ozer to break the deadlock.

**Ezri Konsa – 7**

Lille offered little through the middle, and Konsa dealt with what came his way alongside Gabriel.

**Gabriel – 7**

Won his battles and helped keep Lille away from Raya’s goal. A controlled night at the back.

**Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7**

Solid at left-back and willing to move forward when Arsenal had Lille pinned back.

**Declan Rice – 8**

Drove Arsenal forward from midfield while the game was still goalless and helped keep Lille under pressure.

**Bruno Guimaraes – 7**

Saw plenty of the ball and helped Arsenal control midfield. Had a penalty appeal turned down in the second half.

**Mikel Merino – 6**

Struggled to have enough influence around the Lille penalty area and was withdrawn as Arteta changed his attack.

**Noni Madueke – 7**

Carried a threat from the right and created the opening goal, finding Timber before the defender lifted his finish over Ozer.

**Eberechi Eze – 8**

Denied by Ozer in the first half but got his goal after the break, finishing with his left foot after Saka found him.

**Viktor Gyokeres – 5**

Struggled to get into the game and had few opportunities in front of goal. Replaced by Kai Havertz after 65 minutes.

## Arsenal substitutes

**Bukayo Saka – 9**

Arsenal were 1-0 up when he came on and 3-0 ahead six minutes later. Set up Eze before scoring the third himself.

**Martin Odegaard – 7**

Added more urgency in possession and was involved in the build-up to Saka’s goal.

**Kai Havertz – 8**

Gave Arsenal another option through the middle and set up Saka for the third.

**Ben White – 6**

Replaced Timber for the closing stages with the game already won.

**Max Dowman – 6**

Given the final few minutes in place of Eze and had little time to affect the game.

Arsenal’s victory followed Saturday’s [2-1 Premier League win over Leeds United](https://readarsenal.com/2026/10/10/arteta-reaction-arsenal-2-1-leeds-guimaraes/) and gives Mikel Arteta’s side six points from their opening two Champions League games.

Read our full [Arsenal 3-0 Lille match report](https://readarsenal.com/2026/10/13/arsenal-3-0-lille-champions-league-match-report/) for all the action from the Emirates.

***[Latest Arsenal news, transfer updates and analysis](https://readarsenal.com/news/)***