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Arsenal star gets brutal L’Equipe rating despite comfortable win

L’Equipe handed Viktor Gyokeres a harsh rating despite his passing looking sharper after scoring four goals in four games for Sweden.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 13: Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal misses a chance during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 match between Arsenal FC and LOSC Lille at Arsenal Stadium on October 13, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

On his third start of the season, Viktor Gyokeres endured another quiet night in front of goal despite Arsenal comfortably beating Lille 3-0 in the Champions League, with L’Equipe handing the striker the lowest rating of any player on the pitch.

Arsenal had to be patient at the Emirates, but once Lille’s resistance was ground down they took the game away from the visitors with three goals in seven second-half minutes.

Gyokeres started the game but was replaced after 65 minutes, having managed only 13 touches and failing to register a shot.

His expected-goals figure was 0.01, with the same number for expected assists, while he did not create a chance before being substituted.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 13: Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal is challenged by Alexsandro of LOSC Lille during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 match between Arsenal FC and LOSC Lille at Arsenal Stadium on October 13, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

L’Equipe responded by giving him a two. Nobody was given a worse rating, even though Lille had five players given a three.

It was not a particularly good night for Gyokeres, but the performance was not entirely without positives.

His passing looked a little sharper than it had before the international break, and there were moments when his link play was more composed, even if he was unable to turn that into a meaningful attacking contribution.

Gyokeres returned to Arsenal after scoring four goals in four matches for Sweden, a run which should have given him confidence and rhythm.

SOLNA, SWEDEN - SEPTEMBER 28: Viktor Gyokeres of Sweden celebrates after scoring 3-1 during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Sweden and Poland at Strawberry Arena on September 28, 2026 in Solna, Sweden. (Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)
Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images

The problem against Lille was that Arsenal simply did not get him involved often enough in dangerous areas.

13 touches across 65 minutes tells its own story, and the lack of shots meant he never really had the chance to build on that international form.

Viktor Gyökeres heat map showing 13 touches, concentrated in the attacking half just outside the penalty area, with scattered touches near halfway and along the right flank.
Viktor Gyokeres’ heat map v Lille

Elsewhere, David Raya received a 5 from L’Equipe for the temerity of having nothing to do, Jurrien Timber a 7, Ezri Konsa a 6, Gabriel a 6 and Myles Lewis-Skelly a 5.

In midfield, Bruno Guimaraes and Declan Rice were both awarded 7s, while Mikel Merino received a 5.

Noni Madueke was given a 4 and Eberechi Eze a 7.

Mikel Arteta was rated 7 as manager, with Arsenal given an average score of 5.5.

For Lille, Berke Ozer received a 5, Goffi a 4, Ngoy a 5, Alexsandro a 6, Perraud a 3, Mukau a 3, Bentaleb a 3, Andre a 3, Bakwa a 4, Ayase Ueda a 4 and Haraldsson a 3.

Davide Ancelotti received a 4 as Lille manager, with his side averaging 3.9.

Referee Felix Zwayer was awarded a 7, which is surprisingly high for a referee that struggled with the advantage rule on multiple occasions.

L'Equipe ratings Arsenal: Raya 5, J. Timber 7, Konsa 6, Gabriel 6, Lewis-Skelly 5, Guimarães 7, Rice 7, Merino 5, Madueke 4, Gyökeres 2, Eze 7, Arteta (manager) 7, team average 5.5.

Lille: Özer 5, Goffi 4, Ngoy 5, Alexsandro 6, Perraud 3, Mukau 3, Bentaleb 3, André 3, Bakwa 4, Ueda 4, Haraldsson 3, D. Ancelotti (manager) 4, team average 3.9.

Referee: Zwayer 7.
L’Equipe Arsenal v Lille ratings
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