Aston Villa produced late magic as we secured a 2-1 win over Arsenal with Emiliano Buendia scoring a dramatic last-gasp winner.
Villa took the lead in the first half as Matty Cash produced a fine finish at the back post as we impressed in the opening 45 minutes, albeit the visitors showed the threat that they could pose too.
That developed into an equaliser early in the second half as Villa couldn’t get going after the break, with Leandro Trossard drawing the Gunners level.
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However, credit should go to both the Villa players for their response after conceding as we recovered well and threatened consistently throughout the first half as well as Unai Emery for his in-game management and changes, and it culminated in Buendia’s stunning strike inside the box with the last kick of the game to seal all three points and move us to within three points of league-leaders Arsenal in the Premier League standings.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Arsenal:
Emiliano Martinez, 8 – Boost to see him return from his back issue in midweek. Made some key interventions throughout, but his brilliant stop to tip Martin Odegaard’s effort over the bar was world-class and decisive leading up to our winner.
Matty Cash, 8.5 – Exceptional technique and composure to convert his chance with a top strike at the back post to put us ahead, and as we’re coming to expect now this season, Cash continues to put in solid defensive displays with his tenacity and energy.
Ezri Konsa, 8 – Strong shift as always as he marshalled the backline well throughout, read the game effectively to snuff out danger and remained composed in possession.
Pau Torres, 8 – Similarly to Konsa, he is key with the ball to help us build out from the back, but the most impressive improvement this season has been his ability to win more physical duels and impose himself more effectively against the opposition.
Ian Maatsen, 7.5 – Gives us an important dynamic going forward with his energy and intent, and he is improving defensively. Had his hands full in this one though with Bukayo Saka looking a threat throughout.
Amadou Onana, 8 – Physical presence in midfield to help give us a foothold. Caught out in possession in the build up to Arsenal’s goal, but he put in an important display to help us control periods and build pressure.
Boubacar Kamara, 8 – Kept the chance alive at the death before Buendia struck, and he was important throughout with his defensive qualities and ability to get us up the pitch by playing through the press.
John McGinn, 8 – Tenacious shift as always from the Villa skipper. Battled hard in individual duels and got about the pitch relentlessly to help apply pressure. Showed moments of quality on the ball, but certainly played his part before coming off.
Youri Tielemans, 8 – Asked to play in a more advanced role to begin the game, and he showed his technical quality and composure regardless of position. Shows real intelligence and class in midfield, with that being a key battle to win in this game to help us control tempo and pick holes in the Arsenal defence.
Morgan Rogers, 8 – Was excellent despite roaming and switching positions in the attacking third. Showed great energy and intent right to the last minute and caused Arsenal problems with his movement and ability to link things together.
Ollie Watkins, 7.5 – Crafted a chance for himself really well in the first half, but much like with some other opportunities that came his way, he couldn’t find a finish to go with it. Put in a shift for the team with his movement and hold-up play as he leads the line effectively, but he’ll be disappointed that he couldn’t add to his goals in midweek.
Substitutes:
Donyell Malen, 7 – Thought he could be a decisive option off the bench in the latter stages with his pace and clinical finishing as he could expose 1v1 duels. Struggled in the physical battle with the Arsenal defenders though, but still played his part in helping us maintain a threat and eventually in finding a breakthrough to win it.
Jadon Sancho, 7 – Retained possession well and shifted the ball quickly to keep the Arsenal backline moving, and his cushioned header in the lead up to our winner was a key moment in a positive cameo appearance in the latter stages.
Lamare Bogarde, 7 – Steady presence after coming on, as he showed off his versatility again having played in midfield initially before switching to right-back.
Victor Lindelof, N/A
Emiliano Buendia, N/A – What a moment, what a strike. His resurgence this season continues with another decisive goal and what a goal it was. Added creativity and a desire to make something happen late on, and he was rewarded as he found himself in the perfect position to curl his shot into the back of the net and spark absolute joy at Villa Park.
