Arsenal player ratings in the Villa defeat: Very few players stood out

By Danong and 1970s Gooner

Arsenal needed to bag all three points against visiting Aston Villa to return to the top of the league, especially since Liverpool dropped all 3 points prior to Arsenal's game. 

One would have thought that this alone would be enough to motivate the players, but it wasn't to be so. Rather, in the first half they seemed a little bit more anxious than usual and coupled with going in at half time drawing culminated in the insipid display that we witnessed afterwards. Unfortunately, they suffered a disappointing defeat thanks to two late Villa goals scored by Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins.

 

Nevertheless they could have won it in the first 45 minutes had they been clinical. In the second half, Villa were re-energised; they showed passion and resolve to get something out of the game and it paid off.

 

David Raya (5/10)

He was lucky not to concede from the two attempts by Watkins and Tielemans that hit the post and bar respectively but they were fantastic shots. It's debatable if he was at fault for their first goal as Gabriel and the Villa player were both very near the goal post which must have put him off.

He can be blamed partially for their second goal as he didn't need to come out since Smith Row was very close to Watkins. By coming out he encouraged Watkins to chip it over him. He did come out of his area against Bayern and he conceded on that occasion too. Raya must learn to choose well when to rush from his goal. 

 

Gabriel Magalhaes (4/10)

He wasn't as dominant as we've known him to be. Almost conceded a goal in the first half by finding the back of Zinchenko's head which resulted in Watkins shot on the post. He made a very similar mistake for Bayern's first goal where he rushed a pass to an unsuspecting Kiwior. 

He also allowed Villa's forward to get ahead of him in the near post which resulted in the first goal we conceded. 

William Saliba (5/10)

He made some key interventions throughout the game. However, I'm not sure where he was when Bailey scored.

 

 Ben White (7/10)

Had an excellent game. He rarely puts one foot wrong. He was the best player for Arsenal yet again, but sadly, he was subbed off.

 

Oleksandr Zinchenko (4/10)

 

Was dreadful; his defensive troubles were obvious. It seemed like he was doing everything he could to win the league for Manchester City.

 

Declan Rice (6/10)

 

He had to play the No. 6 role, which requires him to be more cautious and reserved. He produced a good performance although he failed to spot Baily was behind him in the box who as a result had a free shot at goal. Rice has been a little underwhelming recently but would have been more effective in a free role—a box-to-box midfield role.

 

Martin Odegaard (7/10)

 

In the first half, Villa was unable to contain him, rendering him unplayable. His impact decreased in the second half. He was later subbed off with Arteta claiming he had felt something.

 

Kai Havertz (6/10)

His timed runs caused problems for the Villa defenders but he wasn't clinical, though.

 

Leandro Trossard (5/10)

Showed flashes of brilliance. He pressed with determination and, several times, demonstrated quick feet. It was disappointing that he did not score from two yards when all he had to do was hit the three quarters of the goal that were not being guarded by Martinez. He failed to show that he is more than just a supersub.

Gabriel Jesus (5/10)

His work with the ball was excellent, but he continues to demonstrate that he is not the Arsenal team's clinical striker. He just can't accomplish the easy stuff, which is frustrating. Arteta will have to sign a real goal scorer if we are to get anywhere.

Bukayo Saka (6/10) 

Had an excellent game in the first half and an average game in the second. His direct runs and intricate dribbling caused problems for the Villa defense. He had a few chances to score but didn't.

 

Substitutes:

 

Takehiro Tomiyasu (6/10)

 

Was solid. His impact was palpable. Should've started at left back.

 

Gabriel Martinelli (5/10)

Had an uneventful game. He was not impactful. 

 

Jorginho (4/10)

He gave the ball away cheaply for Ollie Watkins' goal.

 

Emile Smith Rowe (4/10)

He wasn't as game-changing as Arteta had hoped. 

 

Eddie Nketiah (N/A)

He came on late and did not contribute significantly.

 

 

Manager:

 

Mikel Arteta (4/10)

 

His team selection raised numerous questions. Why drop Havertz from his number 9 role where he's been at his best?

Jorginho and Rice in midfield excelled together; why change it?

He is partly to blame for the loss.