David Raya, Trossard Superb But One Player Disappointing in Arsenal Win Over Aston Villa

AFCN provides an analysis of the Gunners’ performance during their Premier League match against Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Arsenal secured a hard-fought and impressive away victory over Aston Villa. The match began slowly due to several injuries that interrupted the flow of the game. Despite this, Arsenal appeared to have the upper hand and came close to taking the lead when Bukayo Saka’s shot forced a remarkable save from Emi Martinez.

Aston Villa, however, missed a golden opportunity to go ahead when Leon Bailey dispossessed Gabriel in front of the goal, allowing Morgan Rogers to set up Ollie Watkins for what should have been an easy finish. Despite being well-placed, the England striker somehow missed the target, and after this moment, the game remained evenly contested as both teams exchanged half-chances, leaving the score level at halftime.

Shortly after the break, it seemed inevitable that Villa would score when Amadou Onana’s deflected shot struck the crossbar, rebounding directly to Watkins. However, David Raya made an incredible save, keeping the score at 0-0.

Although Villa continued to appear the stronger side, it was Arsenal who took the lead when Leandro Trossard fired in a low shot. The Gunners then extended their advantage with a powerful strike from Thomas Partey at the edge of the box, which slipped through Emi Martinez’s gloves. AFCN also provided player ratings for Arsenal’s performance in this match.

David Raya – 9

A world class stop to keep out Watkins’ header. Miraculous reflexes from such close range. Superb aside from that with his positioning and distribution. Arsenal have a world class ‘keeper between the sticks!

Ben White -6

Did find himself out of position on a few occasions as Villa stretched the game. In one-vs-one duels he was decent for the most part however.

William Saliba – 7

Was visibly wound up by John McGinn’s physical approach in the first half. It did seem to affect his play a little, but he largely dealt well with Watkins runs down the channel. Superb recovering tackle to stop Ramsey late on.

Gabriel – 6

Lost possession poorly in the first half and should have been punished by Watkins. Recovered well though and was a leader particularly after Arsenal went in front.

Jurrien Timber – 7

Inverted right in to the centre circle when Arsenal were in possession. Didn’t always manage to keep Bailey quiet but was generally good in his one-vs-one defending.

Thomas Partey – 7

He keeps trying those powerful efforts from the edge of the box and this one paid off! Not always at his dominant best in the middle but a crucial contribution to a huge win.

Martin Odegaard – 7

His through ball to Saka was vital to bringing about the opening goal. Should have added a third late on with a decent chance blazed over the bar.

Declan Rice – 7

Fought a superb midfield battle with Amadou Onana and Jurrien Timber. Not always at his best in terms of screening the backline, but got forward to decent effect.

Bukayo Saka – 8

Heavily involved in the first goal with his lung busting run. Then provided the assist for the second. Again not at his most influential but crucial in the big moments.

Kai Havertz – 7

Provided the vital assist for the first goal with his outstretched foot. His pass selection had been a little off before that at times though.

Gabriel Martinelli – 6

His end product continues to be disappointing when he’s forced on to his left foot. Held on to it for too long on occasions while on the counter. His movement and running into space remains a positive though.

SUBSTITUTES –

Leandro Trossard – 8

Scored with his first touch – a superbly taken finish to a ball that was just behind him. Then played a part in the second with his low cross. Won a game that Arsenal looked certain lose. The definition of a super sub.

Riccardo Calafiori – 7

A decent Premier League debut down the left. Wound up the home fans after a tussle with Martinez that will have endeared him to the Arsenal fans already.

Reiss Nelson

Came on too late for a rating. n/a.

In other Arsenal news, Mikel Arteta Hints at a Fresh Position Change for Arsenal Player as He Returns to First-team Action