Nicolas Pepe 9, Joe Willock 8, Reiss Nelson 8: Arsenal player ratings v Molde

Gunners secure qualification to Europa League knockout stage

ARSENAL RATINGS v MOLDE: Runar Alex Runarsson – 6. One or two sloppy moments in possession, but otherwise looked unfazed by the occasion. Survived a scare in the first half. Getty

Cedric Soares 6 – Kept things neat and tidy defensively. Perhaps didn’t contribute as much going forward as he would have liked to. AFP

Shkodran Mustafi 7 – Didn’t look at all out of place, dealt admirably well with most defensive tasks that he was called into. Much improved of late. Getty

David Luiz 7 – Lasted only 45 minutes, having to go off due to an injury at half time. However, his first half cameo was very impressive, the former Chelsea man leading the way with several excellent headed clearances and blocks. AP

Ainsley Maitland-Niles 7 – An underrated performance from the versatile Englishman. Exceptional in both defence at attack – which included a few lovely pieces of link-up play with Reiss Nelson down the left-hand channel. Reuters

Granit Xhaka 7 – Lasted an hour after playing the full 90 minutes against Leeds United. Kept the ball well in the middle of the park, and shielded the backline expertly. Getty

Joe Willock 8 – Handed Reiss Nelson a goal on a silver platter with a beautifully weighted low cross in the second half. Aside from that, his overall play from a deeper midfield position was similarly effective. Reuters

Reiss Nelson 8 – Sent a message to Mikel Arteta with a thoroughly impressive display. His second-half goal was the perfect reward for what had been a fine return to action on the left side of the attack. Reuters

Nicolas Pepe 9 – The obvious pick for Man of the Match. The Ivorian looked notably fired-up following a controversial dismissal last weekend. If he can start scoring goals like that again on a regular basis, his place in the Arsenal starting XI would be firmly cemented. AFP

Alexandre Lacazette 7 – Played in a slightly deeper role but appeared to enjoy the extra space and freedom that it afforded him. Looked sharp and dangerous in spells. Reuters

Eddie Nketiah 6 –Things didn’t quite pan out as planned for the young forward. His radar was slightly off, with much of his intelligent movement going unnoticed by teammates. AP

SUBSTITUTES: Rob Holding 7 – Replaced David Luiz for the entirety of the second half. Largely picked up where the Brazilian had left off. Getty

Dani Ceballos 6 – Slotted into the midfield well after replacing Xhaka with half an hour to play, and was full of running. Getty

Kieran Tierney 6 – Started the move that led to Balogun’s late goal. A decent late run-out for the Scot. Getty

Emile Smith Rowe N/A - Provided the assist for Balogun’s late goal, and reminded Arteta that he poses a threat. Getty Folarin Balogun N/A – Scored with virtually his first touch of the game, following an excellent swivel turn. A dream cameo.

Nicolas Pepe was in fine form as he scored the opener to help Arsenal win in Molde and secure qualification to the Europa League knockout stage.

The Ivory Coast winger kept his place in Arsenal's side despite being criticised by manager Mikel Arteta following his red card in the draw at Leeds.

The club-record signing made amends by delivering when it matters as the Gunners won 3-0 in Norway with Folarin Balogun grabbing his first senior goal after Reiss Nelson had doubled the lead.

The result means Arsenal are through to the round of 32 and can assure themselves top spot in Group B with a positive result at home to Rapid Vienna next week.

Player ratings from the match can be seen in the gallery above. To view the next image, click on the arrows or simply swipe.