DECLAN RICE’S first Champions League goal effectively guaranteed Arsenal’s spot in the last 16 of Europe’s premier competition.

Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard added to the tally in a convincing 3-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb, but it was Gabriel Martinelli’s standout contributions that truly stole the spotlight.

6Declan Rice opened the scoring inside two minutes

6Kai Havertz settled nerves half way through the second half

6Martin Odegaard made it 3-0 in the 91st minute

The Gunners moved up to third in the Uefa league standings but should’ve been out of sight after missing a flurry of chances.

Dinamo, who are level on points in the standings with Manchester City after they lost 4-2 to PSG, didn’t reward their raucous away support with a single shot on target.

As such, Mikel Arteta’s men are set to finish in the top eight, although automatic qualification isn’t mathematically confirmed yet.

On a freezing cold evening in North London, SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rates and slates each Arsenal performer.

David Raya – 6

A really poor clearance invited pressure from Dinamo’s front three in the first-half. A heart in mouth moment for sure.

But rarely touched the ball from then on, with the Croatian side not registering a single shot at the Spaniard in 90 minutes.

6David Raya’s poor clearance left Arsenal fans gasping

Jurrien Timber – 5

Involved in early attacks and got back to block a dangerous Dinamo counter as things settled in the 12th minute.

But was caught sleeping after Luca Stojkovic won the ball off him on the edge of his box, before Jakub Kiwior’s handy interception.

Gabriel – 6

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.

Jakub Kiwior – 7

For all the scrutiny he’s faced, the Pole saved regular starter Timber from embarrassment and a sure Dinamo chance inside 33 minutes.

Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7

With teen Myles Lewis Skelly carrying a knock, the Ukrainian was forward thinking and whipped crosses into Havertz all evening.

Declan Rice – 8

Fired Arsenal ahead with a thunderous volley inside 105 seconds – his first-ever goal in the competition.

But his usual corner deliveries were affected by the deafening away end pelting plastic cups and lighters at his back.

Ran his heart out but fluffed a poor header, reminiscent of the same chance missed against Man Utd in the FA Cup defeat, to make it 3-0.

6Rice was pelted with objects before taking corners in the first half

Jorginho – 6

Horror back pass almost cost his side the lead when he put Raya in trouble inside 30 minutes.

But worked hard to win the ball back and put Martinelli through for a blistering run.

Martin Odegaard – 7

Engine of the team. Dropped back into midfield to provide an outlet for Kiwior whenever he could.

A tap-in at the death saw him score his first goal since the 5-2 win over West Ham in November to make it 3-0.

Raheem Sterling – 4

A non event. The former England winger was weak in-front of goal yet again.

But some lovely Sterling-esque runs of old were a nice watch at times, if that’s all he had to offer.

Lucky to avoid a straight red after a nasty challenge on Maxime Bernauer’s ankle with his studs just seconds into the second half.

Gabriel Martinelli – 8

A last-ditch tackle denied him what would have been a sensational solo goal from a 60-yard run that woke Arsenal from their slumber.

Was the main attacking threat and had a hand in both goals, first crossing into Havertz, who laid it on for Rice, before a glorious curling ball into the German for 2-0.

Has the Brazilian made himself undroppable moving forward?

6Gabriel Martinelli was the star of the show

Kai Havertz – 7

Brushed off recent criticism with a perfect lay-off for Rice to smash home and doubled Arsenal’s lead with a laid-on header in the 66th minute.

Was happy to score but was wasteful before finding the back of the net and often absent in box during first-half attacks.

Subs

Ethan Nwaneri (for Sterling, 57 mins) – 6

A loud applause welcomed the teen back from injury, but he didn’t have to do much against such weak opposition.

Thomas Partey (for Timber, 57 mins) – 6

Assured cameo in midfield.

Kieran Tierney (for Zinchenko, 73 mins) – 5

Calm on the ball after coming on.

Leandro Trossard (for Havertz) – 5

Made his 100th appearance for the club.