Despite a spirited performance, Aston Villa suffered a 4-2 defeat to Arsenal on Saturday as Unai Emery will be frustrated with the outcome.
Villa twice took the lead through goals from Ollie Watkins and Philippe Coutinho, but the visitors hit back through Saka and Zinchenko as the score was level on the hour mark.
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Despite having chances in the second half, Villa were eventually undone as Jorginho’s long-range effort was diverted in via Emi Martinez after it struck the woodwork, before Martinelli added a fourth with the Villa goalkeeper up for a corner.
Villa showed real quality with our creativity and attacking play at times, but question marks will be raised over our defensive performance again as we weren’t tight enough and gifted space and goals to Arsenal.
With games against Everton, Crystal Palace, West Ham and Bournemouth up next, Villa have an important run of games ahead as we look to get back on track and start moving up the Premier League table.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Arsenal:
Emiliano Martinez, 5 – A rough day for the Argentine shot-stopper. Was off with his distribution out to his full-backs on a number of occasions and was unfortunate with the third goal which bounced in off his head. Nothing he could do for the first two goals due to poor defending while the fourth was a result of him going up for a late corner.
Matty Cash, 7 – A solid return to the Villa starting XI, as he put in a good defensive shift on that side. Looked to be aggressive and positive on and off the ball, and played a brilliant role in the lead up to our first goal by setting up Watkins.
Ezri Konsa, 5.5 – Struggled in this one as Arsenal broke through our midfield to get at our exposed backline. Almost made a costly mistake which Odegaard didn’t punish, but on a day where we conceded four more goals at home, the entire defensive line won’t be pleased with their performance.
Tyrone Mings, 5.5 – Should have done better with his headed clearance for the first goal as we surrendered our lead far too easily. Was an important presence at the back on occasion, but ultimately it’s a similar case to Konsa in that they won’t be happy with how they led the defensive performance.
Alex Moreno, 6 – Had his hands full on that left flank up against Saka. Struggled at times but also showed his defensive quality to limit him. Made a crucial contribution at the other end of the pitch though with the assist for Coutinho’s goal as he did well with his run down the left flank and then with the ball across to find the Brazilian.
John McGinn, 7 – A combative and tenacious display on his return to the starting line-up, as he added energy, aggression and a battling spirit in midfield. Got stuck into the battle in that area of the pitch, but as a unit, we weren’t able to control the game as we would have wanted.
Douglas Luiz, 6 – Kept things ticking over with his distribution and nipped in to win possession back at times too. Questionable decision to replace him in the second half, as although we were overrun and our midfield bypassed too easily as Arsenal created chances, we missed his composure in the latter stages.
Boubacar Kamara, 6 – An improved performance after struggling in the last two games, and although there were similar positives to Luiz, we didn’t get enough of a foothold in the game for a consistent period to control things.
Philippe Coutinho, 7 – Delighted to see him get on the scoresheet in a much-needed boost for the Brazilian playmaker. Took it really well and worked hard out of possession to provide defensive work too. Something for him to build on as he searches for consistency while building his match fitness.
Emiliano Buendia, 6 – Showed glimpses of his quality and scrapped hard to press and track back, but was missing that killer bit of class to unlock Arsenal. Did well in the build-up to Coutinho’s goal to leave it for his teammate as they showed good communication and chemistry, but he’ll hope to add a decisive element to his game next time out.
Ollie Watkins, 7.5 – That’s now four goals in four games for Watkins as he is showing a ruthlessness in front of goal and real confidence. Took his goal brilliantly as he made an excellent run, did well to create space for himself and then produced a top finish. Battled hard thereafter, but couldn’t quite find the openings to be decisive again.
Substitutes:
Jacob Ramsey, 5 – Didn’t add much after coming on. Slotted into his position and worked hard off the ball but lacked an attacking threat.
Leon Bailey, 5.5 – Got into dangerous positions and posed a threat with his pace and running, but again, couldn’t add a finish to his good work.
Leander Dendoncker, 5 – Fresh legs in midfield but didn’t make much of a difference.
Jhon Duran, 6 – Another lively outing for the youngster as his physicality, movement and running added a fresh dynamic to our attack and went close to his first goal for the club once again.
Lucas Digne, N/A