Arsenal player ratings vs Manchester United: Leno and Pepe shine as Willian misses huge chance

Bernd Leno: Made an absolutely world class save from Fred and dealt brilliantly with Marcus Rashford when the England forward seemed destined to score right at the end of the first half. The German really steps up in the big games and did the same again this evening. 8.

Hector Bellerin: The Spaniard was fine again today. Defensively solid without really offering that much when going in the other direction. When Tierney is fit though he faces a good run for his money as Arsenal's starting right back with Cedric a candidate to switch over to his favoured position. 5.

Rob Holding: Another good defensive display from Rob Holding in an Arsenal shirt. When you consider the attacking talent he was up against it's pretty impressive. The next step to his game though is adding a bit more on the ball. 6.

David Luiz: Had a moment in the first half where he let Bruno Fernandes inside too easily for what could have been a dangerous opportunity. Recovered well though to put in a solid defensive display. A highlight for the Brazilian was a marauding run to the penalty box that ended with a shot that would definitely have been worth three points if he was playing rugby. 6.

Cedric: Found it difficult when United crossed deep to the back post and as a result Rashford and Wan Bissaka got in frequently. But used his experience to defend the Red Devils' exquisite attack. 6.

Thomas Partey: The Ghanaian is eel-like in his ability to wriggle away from opposition midfielders who try to press him. Final ball could have been improved slightly though and he did look to tire in the second half as a sign that he's not yet fully fit. 6.

Granit Xhaka: Tidy in possession but what was a touch guilty of playing too safe in the first half. That improved in the second as he was able to use his left foot to spread the ball out to the flanks beautifully as United dropped deeper. 6.

Nicolas Pepe: After his excellent defensive display against Southampton on Tuesday there were questions as to whether Pepe could follow it up against United. The Ivorian did exactly that, leading the Gunners' press. Provided no shortage of attacking threat as well and would have scored not for a good block from Harry Maguire. 8.

Emile Smith Rowe: An excellent first half where he completed more passes than any other player and had 100% pass completion in the attacking third. As well as the attacking brilliance Smith Rowe's pressing is always excellent and we saw the same again despite the high quality opposition. 7.

Gabriel Martinelli: A nice jinking dribble nearly created a chance for Lacazette, while the Brazilian put in a good shift defensively. The header to stop Rashford getting in was arguably goal-saving. Unlucky to be withdrawn at half time if it turns out not to have been for an injury precaution. 6.

Alexandre Lacazette: Another very good display from the Frenchman who came closest to scoring of any Arsenal player when his free kick struck the bar in the second half. In the absence of star attackers like Saka and Aubameyang, Lacazette stepped up and lead the side from the front. 7.

Substitutes -

Willian: Had a phenomenal opportunity at the beginning of the second half but his lack of confidence showed. The Brazilian looks a shadow of the player who was so effective in a Chelsea shirt for so long. 4.

Martin Odegaard: Came on too late to influence the game. 3.

Eddie Nketiah: Came on too late to influence the game. 2.