Arsenal’s impressive run of form came to an end as they slumped to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa at the Villa Park this evening. The Gunners were simply ineffective going forward throughout the game, notably failing to manage a single shot on target as a first-half goal from Trezeguet became the only difference between the two sides.
Arsenal Player Ratings Against Aston Villa
Emiliano Martinez 6/10
A second-half save to deny John McGinn was the only real eventful moment for Emiliano Martinez, who had very little chance to save Trezeguet’s effort in the first half.
Rob Holding 5/10
Rob Holding was yelled at by Luiz for the most period of the game. And it was not the best of performances from the Arsenal defender either as he failed to impose his aerial and physical presence in the Arsenal half.
David Luiz 7/10
David Luiz was by far Arsenal’s best defender this evening. The Brazilian was sublime with his passing and kept giving out instructions to his teammates. Could have been more proactive with his clearances, though.
Sead Kolasinac 6/10
Once again starting as a centre-back, Sead Kolasinac had some good moments, especially when drove out of the defence and helped out in attack. But, his foul on McGinn was pretty much an indicator of his ability to defend.
Cedric 6.5/10
An eventful game for Cedric, who produced a flurry of crosses from the right flank but none of them really found the target. Did a good job providing width in the attack before being taken off late in the game.
Lucas Torreira 4/10
Starting in place of Granit Xhaka in the number six role, Lucas Torreira’s positioning was not up to the mark and made a silly foul before being taken off at half-time.
Dani Ceballos 6.5/10
Dani Ceballos tried to make things happen with his passing and movement. The Spaniard was virtually everywhere, showing impressive work-rate, though it paid minimal dividends for the Arsenal side.
Bukayo Saka 4/10
A disappointing performance from Bukayo Saka, who simply failed to influence the game in the left wing-back role. He couldn’t hold the ball for long while his runs forward weren’t effective either. Taken off around the hour mark.
Eddie Nketiah 6.5/10
It was a frustrating game for the returning Eddie Nketiah, who had the best chance of the game. But, his header hit the post, and the youngster was unlucky not to score the goal.
Alexandre Lacazette 6/10
Alexandre Lacazette showed excellent work-rate, as usual, dropping deep, rotating the possession and instigating the approach play. Couldn’t make a telling difference though.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 5/10
A disappointing evening for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who fluffed an excellent opportunity for Arsenal in the second half with a poor cross. He also struggled to find himself in good scoring situations.
SUBSTITUTES
Granit Xhaka 6/10
Replaced Torreira in the second half, providing more energy and assurance in the middle of the park. Almost featured as a left-sided central midfielder late in the game to provide cover for the marauding Kolasinac.
Kieran Tierney 6.5/10
Instantly made an impact after replacing Saka around the hour mark, notably putting in two dangerous crosses. Was always an attacking outlet out wide.
Nicolas Pepe 5/10
Nicolas Pepe most notably won a late free-kick but would have hoped to make a more significant impact.
Joe Willock 5/10
Provided energy after replacing Cedric late in the game.
