Arsenal maintain their inconsistent start to the campaign with a 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday. The Gunners were the second-best team throughout the course of the game with a brace from Ollie Watkins and an own goal from Bukayo Saka sealing all three points for the Villans while the home side slump to their fourth defeat of the season.
Arsenal Player Rated In Defeat To Aston Villa
Bernd Leno 6.5/10
Made a couple of good saves but wasn’t helped by a lacklustre defending from the centre-backs as Aston Villa poured men forward at every chance they had.
Rob Holding 5/10
Rob Holding had a busy night defending against the threat of Jack Grealish on the right flank. Getting past him was too easy for the opposing attackers, and one could argue that Shkodran Mustafi might have been a better option against the proactive Aston Villa attackers.
Gabriel Magalhaes 4/10
Gabriel struggled to provide the motivation and the leadership that was needed in the absence of David Luiz. He looked sloppy in defending and was overrun by the opposition.
Kieran Tierney 5/10
Kieran Tierney proved himself to be a useful outlet going forward, notably delivering a few crosses from the wider areas. However, the Scot lacked the defensive discipline to compliment his performance.
Hector Bellerin 5/10
Hector Bellerin simply wasn’t competent enough in dealing with Grealish, notably getting muscled by the England international once in the second half. Bad day at the office for the Spaniard.
Thomas Partey 5/10
Thomas Partey was a bit anonymous in the first half, failing to provide too much solidity in the middle of the park. He was, however, unfortunate to pick up an injury that forced Mikel Arteta to hook him off at half-time.
Mohamed Elneny 5.5/10
Mohamed Elneny simply couldn’t replicate his performance against Manchester United and often struggled to win back possession for his team.
Bukayo Saka 5/10
Bukayo Saka provided minimal creativity going forward, often looking clueless up against Matty Cash. He simply wasn’t involved enough to make a difference while also failing to keep up with Trezeguet for the all-important opener.
Willian 6/10
It was once again a bad day at the office for Willian, who didn’t provide anything to the table going forward. The Brazilian was unable to beat Aston Villa defenders, so the penetration from the Arsenal camp was lacking as ever.
Alexandre Lacazette 5/10
Alexandre Lacazette missed a great opportunity to score from a header in the first half but failed to maximise that opportunity. The Frenchman continues to disappoint in the number nine role.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 6/10
It was yet another disappointing game for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who continues to underperform in the left-wing role. Did operate more centrally during the final phase of the game but lacked the service.
SUBSTITUTES
Dani Ceballos 6.5/10
Dani Ceballos offered a bit more dynamism and energy in the middle of the park while also making an important goalline clearance to deny Grealish a goal. Faded as the game progressed.
Nicolas Pepe 5/10
Provided nothing going forward apart from an attempt on goal, which went wide.
Eddie Nketiah 5/10
Nothing exceptional after coming on for Lacazette midway through the second half.
