Arsenal player ratings vs Aston Villa as Trossard and Odegaard lead four 9/10s in huge win

ARSENAL 4-1 ASTON VILLA: Gunners' player performances rated after Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium

The foretold statement win that many were predicting came for Arsenal at the perfect time. Smashing Unai Emery’s Aston Villa apart to avenge their late defeat earlier this month.

Arsenal were cut open several times in the opening stages of the game as the long ball to Ollie Watkins was getting plenty of joy. They would have chances of their own too but be frustrated going into the break.

Yet seconds after the restart, a corner from Bukayo Saka found Gabriel who got a vital touch and watched the ball bounce into the goal. Minutes later and the second went in courtesy of some Odegaard brilliance and a sublime Martin Zubimendi finish.

Things got even better when Leandro Trossard smashed in from outside the box and then Gabriel Jesus put the cherry on the cake with an amazing curled finish too. A late Watkins consolation goal stole a clean sheet from David Raya after he produced an amazing double save.

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

David Raya – Was fortunate not to be called into more action in the first half as Aston Villa failed to make the most of their chances. He again had very little to do in the second period but distribute calmly and accurately. But was tested late on and somehow kept out John McGinn before minutes later being beaten by Ollie Watkins. 7

Jurrien Timber – Brilliant tackle on Watkins down on the right to the delight of the crowd. It was his pass too to Leandro Trossard with a cute touch which setup the third goal. 7

William Saliba – Brilliant last-man challenge on Ollie Watkins, sliding in to prevent what looked a certain goal for the striker. Such a strong performance to keep Watkins at bay. 8

Gabriel Magalhaes – Seconds into the second half, the Brazilian on his first start since returning from injury rose highest from a Bukayo Saka corner and found the key touch to put the Gunners in front. Won a very brave defensive header, stooping down and getting a kick from Tielemans for his troubles. 9

Piero Hincapie – Found the early cross for Gyokeres after moving from his usual centre-half role to left-back. Strong tackle in the box to stop Jadon Sancho scoring. 7

Martin Zubimendi – Just impresses so much in winning the small duels but even the aerial ones, his appreciation for those battles sees him win so many more than a man of his height should. Yet it was his perfect finish which handed the Gunners a firm grip early in the second half. 9

Mikel Merino – Very lucky to be on the field after a challenge on Rogers having already been booked saw him avoid the second yellow card. Overall a quiet game which passed him by – again, I get the sense I need to dedicate more time to watching more of the Spaniard when in midfield. 5

Martin Odegaard – So poised and in control, the pass for the Zubimendi goal and the duel he won before it showing his value to the side. The cross he found which led to Trossard’s eventual goal was also excellent and capped off another wonderful performance as the skipper has certainly now hit form. 9

Bukayo Saka – A quiet and frustrating first half was forgiven immediately as his corner found the sweet spot and Gabriel to give the Gunners the lead. While involved in the action, there should have been somewhat more end product for the second game in a row for the winger. 6

Viktor Gyokeres – Early headed opportunity which was sent over the bar. Lost the ball inside his own half, which nearly gave up a goal to Ollie Watkins and endured a difficult first period.

Skimmed the post with a diving header after a good ball in from Trossard. Brilliant hold-up play to win the corner that eventually led to the opening goal. Turned defender on occasion with some key blocks. 6

Leandro Trossard – Some nice early deliveries and chances worked, including a low driven shot, saved by Martinez. A brilliant strike in the second half to give the Gunners full control of the game.

Then found the perfect pass to Jesus to provide the Gunners with their fourth. Another top display from the Belgian and a worthy contender for man of the match. 9

Substitutes:

Christian Norgaard – Replacing the dangerously fortunate Mikel Merino in the second half. He stood firm in midfield and did the job that was tasked to him. 6

Myles Lewis-Skelly – Caught sleeping for the Watkins goal and should have been marking the striker. 5

Gabriel Jesus – My word what an introduction that was, first touch of the ball and he bends a gorgeous shot into the corner. 7

Noni Madueke – Came on late to help see out the game. n/a

Ben White – Came on late to help see out the game. n/a