Dean Smith’s Aston Villa side secured what can only be described as a priceless victory against Premier League giants Arsenal tonight, after they held on for over an hour, to a narrow 1-0 scoreline. Egyptian trickster Trezeguet opened the scoring from a corner against the run of play in the first half, and from that point, they were able to sit back and break at Arsenal on the counter. Some quick forward passing, added to mammoth performances from the centre-halves, meant that the Villans have not just secured the three points, but also moved out of the relegation zone with a single fixture left to play in the campaign.
Here Are The Aston Villa Player Ratings Vs Arsenal:
Aston Villa Player Ratings Vs Arsenal
Pepe Reina – 7
The Spanish veteran made multiple key collections as the Arsenal attackers looked to throw the kitchen sink at the Villa back-line. Didn’t have a single save to make over the ninety though.
Ahmed Elmohamady – NA
Came off injured within the opening half-hour of the game, and hence didn’t have time to make an impact.
Ezri Konsa – 7
The versatile defender was pushed back into the middle of defence tonight, and it’s safe to say that he was nothing short of rock-solid. Made some crucial interceptions and passed the ball with confidence.
Tyrone Mings – 7.5
The Englishman put in a mammoth shift commandeering the Villa back-kind tonight. Ensured that the Gunners attackers were unable even to find a shot on target for the goalkeeper to save.
Matt Targett – 6.5
The former Southampton man worked extremely hard at the back for the Villans tonight as he didn’t allow the Arsenal forwards too much running room down that side. Made some forward runs also.
John McGinn – 6.5
The diminutive midfielder made some important forward runs throughout the ninety, and it was actually one of his runs that earned the corner that led to the Villa opener in the first half.
Douglas Luiz – 7
The former Manchester City man put in a solid shift in the middle of the park tonight as he didn’t leave the Villa centre-halves exposed on too many instances in the tie. Passed the ball with confidence too.
Conor Hourihane – 6.5
The midfielder worked extremely hard in terms of keeping the Arsenal attackers at arm’s length tonight. Added to this, he also linked up play very effectively in the Aston Villa engine room.
Trezeguet – 7
The Egyptian winger made a flurry of sharp forward runs all through the ninety and found himself in some dangerous positions as well. Took his first-half opportunity with great composure.
Mbwana Samatta – 6
The Tanzanian striker struggled to have any sort of impact on the game in the first half but began to assert himself more in the second period. Didn’t have the effect he might’ve been hoping for.
Jack Grealish – 8
The promising Englishman was at the heart of everything positive that this Villa team created. Played multiple long balls from midfield and won a flurry of free-kicks in important positions.
Substitutes
Frederic Guilbert – 6.5
The speedster was brought on early in the first-half as Elmohamady came off injured. Tried to get forward but impressed thoroughly at the back with his work-rate and strong tackling skills.
Marvelous Nakamba – 6
The Zimbabwean holding-midfielder came on and shored things up in the middle of the park for the home side. Linked up play well and was a constant passing option when the Villans were in possession.
Keinan Davis – 6
The youngster was thrown on in place of the mostly ineffective Mbwana Samatta tonight. Had a glorious chance to double the lead soon after coming on but sent his shot narrowly wide of the post.
Henri Lansbury – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
