Arsenal defeated Aston Villa 4-1 to claim a clear victory in the race for the Premier League title. In the early stages of the match, Arsenal used a lot of long balls from Ollie Watkins, allowing him to be exposed many times. They had their chances, but went into the break frustrated. But just seconds after play restarted, Gabriel Magalhães made the decisive touch from a corner from Bukayo Saka and watched as the ball bounced into the net. A few minutes later, the second goal came thanks to some magic from Martin Odegaard and a superb finish from Martin Zvimendi.
Leandro Trossard fired a shot from outside the box, and Gabriel Jesus finished with an impressive curling effort to improve the scoreline. Despite an incredible double save from David Raya, he was unable to keep a clean sheet as Watkins equalized late on. Express Sport rates and predicts Arsenal players…
Arsenal vs Aston Villa player ratings
David Raya – 7
He was lucky not to be used further in the first half as Aston Villa failed to capitalize on their chances. In the second half, he could do little other than distribute the ball calmly and accurately. However, he was tested late in the match and managed to deny John McGinn, but was defeated by Ollie Watkins minutes later.
Julian Timber – 7
He made a great tackle on Watkins on the right wing, much to the delight of the crowd. His pass to Leandro Trossard produced the third goal with a deft touch.
William Saliba – 8
A great final challenge on Ollie Watkins, sliding in to deny the forward an assured goal. Solid performance to keep Watkins at bay.
Gabriel Magalhães – 9
Just seconds into the second half, the Brazilian, making his first start since returning from injury, rose highest from Bukayo Saka’s corner kick and made a decisive touch to put the Gunners ahead. He ducked low to kick Tielemans in trouble and earned a very brave defensive header.
Clown Hincapie – 7
He changed his position from his usual centre-half position to left-back and supplied Gokeres with an early cross. A solid tackle in the box prevented Jadon Sancho from scoring.
Martin Zvimendi – 9
He always leaves an impression, winning even small-scale duels and aerial duels. His understanding of these battles allows him to win more than a man of his stature would expect. However, his perfect finishing allowed the Gunners to hold firm early in the second half.
Mikel Merino – 5
He was extremely lucky to remain on the pitch after escaping a second yellow card for a challenge on Rodgers, who had already been booked. All in all, it was a quiet game that passed him by. Once again, I felt that I needed to spend more time observing the Spaniard when he was in midfield.
Martin Odegaard – 9
Showing such calmness and control, winning the pass to Zvimendi’s goal and the duel before that, proved his value to the team. His cross that led to Trossard’s final goal was also excellent, capping off another great performance as the captain certainly established his form. he
Bukayo Saka – 6
They were subdued and frustrating in the first half, but were soon forgiven when Gabriel’s corner kick was perfectly placed and the Gunners took the lead. Despite being involved in the action, there should have been a bit more finality from the winger in the running in the second game.
Victor Gokeres – 6
An early heading chance went over the bar. It was a tough first half as we lost the ball in our own half and almost had a goal scored by Ollie Watkins. He received a good ball from Trossard and hit the post with a diving header. A great hold-up play earned them a corner kick, which ultimately led to the opening goal. Occasionally, he turned defender with important blocks. 6.
Leandro Trossard – 9
There were some great deliveries and chances early on, including a low driving shot that Martinez saved. A great second half put the Gunners in complete control of the game. He then played a perfect pass to Jesus to give the Gunners their fourth goal. It was another outstanding performance from the Belgian and he is a strong candidate for Man of the Match.
substitute
Christian Norgaard – 6
He came on in the second half for Mikel Merino, who had some dangerous luck. He defended his position firmly in midfield and carried out the tasks assigned to him.
Miles Lewis-Skelly – 5
Watkins’ goal caught me off guard and I should have marked the striker.
Gabriel Jesus – 7
What a great start it was and with his first touch of the ball he took a beautiful shot into the corner.
Noni Madueke – Not applicable
He came on late and contributed to the end of the match.
Ben White – N/A
He was brought on late to stabilize the game.
