In an exciting encounter at Villa Park, Aston Villa came close to snatching victory and Arsenal lost in heartbreaking fashion. Mikel Arteta was forced to employ a makeshift back four due to the injury crisis in his defense, but it showed in the first half and the hosts had the better chances. Matty Cash eventually took the lead by firing the ball past his marker and into the back post.
After the break, the tide changed and Arsenal gained the upper hand, quickly scoring the equalizer. Leandro Trossard came on from the bench and completed the team movement directed by Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka. Both teams had plenty of chances to find a winner and in the end Villa got the decisive blow through Emi Buendia and scored with the last kick of the match to take all three points.
Express Sport rates and predicts Arsenal players following today’s dramatic defeat…
Arsenal vs Aston Villa player ratings
David Raya – 6
He showed courage in a frenetic second half, making two big saves to deny Ollie Watkins on either side of the interval. Neither of Villa’s goals amounted to much.
Ben White – 6
He played dangerous balls into the box and posed a threat. The defense wasn’t very good, leaving spaces for Villa’s forwards to exploit.
Julian Timber – 5
It showed when he played out of position. He struggled with his positioning and was turned inside out by Ollie Watkins at one stage. The one on the right is much better.
Clown Hincapie – 6
He is sloppy with the ball at times and often just moves the ball forward without taking the time to choose his pass. Still, we were able to defend well enough.
Riccardo Calafioli – 7
He brought a wealth of energy on the left side of the pitch, darting forward to help in attack while also dropping back to carry out defensive duties. I made a reservation for the second half.
Martin Zvimendi – 4
Quite anonymous in the middle of the park and couldn’t assert myself enough. Defensive positioning wasn’t always the best either.
Declan Rice – 7
He continued to work hard on both ends of the pitch. In the build-up to the leveler, he won the ball back and defended with all his body.
Martin Odegaard – 8
He made a pass that triggered the move that led to the tying goal. He came back to life in the second half and became the orchestrator in the final third.
Eberechi Eze – 4
They didn’t have the impact they had hoped for and lost Cash’s run in the build-up to Villa’s opener. Replace at intervals.
Bukayozaka – 7
A lively and energetic display. He scored the equalizer and was central to the success in the final third. He was booked for a foul on Ian Maassen.
Mikel Merino – 4
He struggled to get into the game and often lost the ball when opportunities presented themselves. Obsessed with breaks.
substitute
Victor Gokeres – 6
He looked lively when introduced and made some promising runs, but just couldn’t get on the scoresheet.
Leandro Trossard – 7
He was in the right position to score the equalizing goal. After making a decisive contribution, he was sent off voluntarily in the final stages.
Noni Madueke – 6
He replaced Saka for the final 12 minutes, but played safely without setting the world on fire.
Miles Lewis Skelly – n/a
This is a belated addition.
Gabriel Martinelli – N/A
This is a belated addition.
