Some Gunners need to improve but others excelled

By Danong and 1970s Gooner

In a show of strength and a chance to rewrite the wrongs of last season, Arsenal picked up a much-needed win against Aston Villa. Last season two points denied Arsenal league glory.

The Arsenal players, well-fired and hungry to send Villa back to where they belong, stepped up and picked up an important 2-0 win. 

Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey etched their names on the scoresheet. There were some Gunners who shone. On the other hand there were others that didn't.

David Raya (10): He continued to prove why Arteta trusted him, snubbing the legendary Rambo. He made an excellent reflex save to deny Ollie Watkins his first goal of the season; the Englishman dived to nod in the rebound from an Amadou Onana shot that hit the crossbar. He also made a couple of other saves.

Both chances created by Villa were not a result of curving us open or of superior play. But if Raya had not saved Watkins header the result may have been different.

Ben White (7): He was solid as always and ready to do anything to force that win. He powered forward much more in the second half which helped Saka and Odegaard create havoc in that part of the pitch. His 'unintended' kick of the ball against McGinn's midriff was also entertaining.

William Saliba (9): He is who he thinks he is—one of the best defenders currently in the league. He pocketed Ollie Watkins, who was a thorn in Arsenal's flesh last season. Had a great game and came out strong in the end.

Gabriel (5.5): He was at fault for the Watkins chance in the first half when he dithered on the ball which allowed Bailey the chance to overpower him. Overall Gabriel did not look confident enough especially in the first half misplacing some of his passes.

Jurrien Timber (7): He performed well in his first start in a competitive match for Arsenal since picking up an ACL injury at the start of last season. Bailey didn't have a free run against the Dutchman, like he did against Oleksandr Zinchenko last season. 

Timber was very good, justifying Arteta starting him and likely to continue starting in the first eleven (unless the physios decide that he needs resting). What a back five Arsenal have now...

Thomas Partey (6): He put up a decent performance but there were occasions where he lost the ball. The freedom Rodgers had to slalom through the middle on a few occasions casts a doubt if Partey can play the 6 role effectively. He came up with a goal though!

Declan Rice (5): Playing as an 8 wasn’t at his best. In fact he hasn't been at his best so far in the first two games of the season. He wasn't influential and he looked very tired. Maybe he is still tired from the Euros.

Martin Odegaard (6): He wasn't at his best and once again (like he does at Villa Park) missed a fantastic goal-scoring opportunity to make it 3-0. He was decent but could have done better.

Bukayo Saka (8): He had a fine first-half strike saved by Emi Martinez. Villa doubled up on him every chance they got, but he still found more space in the second half. In fact, he was responsible for creating both goals.

Kai Havertz (5): He wasn't as influential as we've known him to be. Hoever it was his action that got the ball onto Trossard's path. The defender tried to stop him and ended up directing the ball to Trossard, who scored.

Gabriel Martinelli (5): He was outstanding defensively and tracked back to help Timber. But he struggled offensively showing a lack of confidence to take his marker head on and drive past him. He was opting to cut back onside and pass the ball back or square. This is not our Martinelli and we hope he finds top form soon!

Leandro Trossard (7): He was introduced in the second half and breathed life into the left wing and the whole team by scoring with his first touch. He's on fire! He should definitely start the next game ahead of Martinelli. 


Ricardo Calafiori and Reiss Nelson (N/A): They looked quiet sharp but came on when the job was taken care of.