Arsenal player ratings vs Aston Villa as 4/10 struggles in heartbreaking defeat

ASTON VILLA 2-1 ARSENAL: Gunners' player performances rated after Premier League clash at Villa Park

Arsenal saw their effort broken in the last minute of the game as Aston Villa scored a 94th-minute winner through Emi Buendia. The Gunners had a nightmare first half and ended up paying for it.

Eberechi Eze found the back of the net early on, but Bukayo Saka’s run before his cross came too early, and the flag went up. Matty Cash scored the opener of the game with a low strike after some weak defending saw the ball land to him at the back post.

Mikel Arteta made some crucial changes at half-time, and the impact was immediate as Leandro Trossard found the net after Saka’s initial shot was deflected. Arsenal were then forced to survive an onslaught of chances and found their resolve broken with a late goal from Emi Buendia.

Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players:

David Raya – Another one-on-one with Ollie Watkins saved early in the game after the striker had beaten both centre-halves. Beaten by Matty Cash with a low strike through the Spaniard’s legs.

Big save in the second half following the equaliser, Ollie Watkins’ left boot finding the diving Spaniard. Could do little in the end as he found himself scrambling before the ball fell to Bunedia. 8

Ben White – Should have tested Emi Martinez more with a first-time shot laid in by Bukayo Saka. Was a constant presence down the right supporting Saka and could have seen a couple of his chances created lead to more. 7

Jurrien Timber – It was his flicked header which fell to Cash at the back post. There was a sense of aggressiveness about the structure of the back four, with the Dutchman covering so much ground. 7

Piero Hincapie – Had some chaotic moments, but he too showed the aggressiveness needed and grew into the game. That said, there can be no doubt that the absence of William Salibam, Gabriel Magalhaes, and now Cristhian Mosquera was very apparent.

However at the death, it was a bad touch which he saw run out of play at the end, a throw-in which led to that late winner. 6

Riccardo Calafiori – Some excellent interceptions and tackles in the opening stages to break up several Villa attacks. This continued throughout the game, and while the Italian has been known for his forays forward, he impressed greatly defensively here.

That was besides one moment of near-madness where a poor touch at the back could have gifted Donyell Malen a goal, but the Dutchman fired wide. 8

Martin Zubimendi – The way he wins aerial duels despite his height was so clear in this game; he fought for every ball. 7

Declan Rice – Produced a fine block to prevent Matty Cash from scoring a first-half goal. Brilliant work to win the ball off Amadou Onana in the build-up to the equaliser. 7

Martin Odegaard – Had a chance from outside the box saved by Emi Martinez in the opening stages. Found the pass to Saka after driving forward in the build-up for the first Arsenal goal.

Saw another strike from range tipped over by Emi Martinez. 7

Bukayo Saka – Had a chance from outside the box saved well by Martinez. Good work to create the chance for Ben White in behind, beating his man. Managed to get in behind again and find a shot which deflected to Trossard who made no mistake.

Following a corner, the ball fell to Saka in the box and he tried to place it but Kamara got the block in. 7

Mikel Merino – Couldn’t find the pass to Bukayo Saka at a key moment in the first half, overhit and the chance went away. He was taken off at the break having done rather little. 5

Eberechi Eze – Thought he’d scored in the first half, but Saka was offside in the build-up. Was effectively invisible in the first half and was nowhere to be seen at the back post for Cash’s goal and was hauled off at the break. 4

Substitutes:

Leandro Trossard – Had a couple of immediate moments after coming off the bench, the most notable a volley which was fired wide of the right post from the left. The Belgian found the net soon after however after Saka’s shot rebounded to him. 8

Viktor Gyokeres – Added the energy and the stretch that the Gunners needed for the second half. Yet he again had very little to feed on in terms of chances. 6

Noni Madueke – Replacing Bukayo Saka, who had been booked and on thin ice. Had very little in the way of opportunities after coming on. 5

Gabriel Martinelli – Replaced Trossard who had only returned recently and clearly was spent despite his small stint. n/a

Myles Lewis-Skelly – Replacing the now suspended Riccardo Calafiori who received his fifth booking. n/a