Aston Villa secured a superb 2-0 win over Arsenal on Sunday, with goals from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins sealing three crucial points.
After a battling performance in the first half, Unai Emery saw his side grow into the game after the break as we started to impose ourselves and show composure in possession.
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That was rewarded with two late goals as Bailey tapped home at the back post to break the deadlock, before Watkins produced a sublime finish to double our lead and secure the win.
It’s a fundamental result for our hopes of finishing in the top four, particularly after Tottenham’s defeat on Saturday, and while some may stand out and earn the headlines, the entire Villa line-up and substitutes deserve credit for the shift that they put in to get a memorable result.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Arsenal:
Emi MartÃnez, 8 – As he does every week, the Villa No.1 produced a stunning save in the first half to keep it goalless, and it proved to be a decisive moment in the game. Commanding in his area and alert to danger throughout.
Ezri Konsa, 8 – A solid display in both phases of the game as he limited Arsenal’s threat down that side while showing composure and accuracy with his passing out from the back.
Diego Carlos, 9 – What a performance. Physically dominant and read the game really well from start to finish to produce key interventions. Stood out as the pick of the bunch in an excellent team defensive performance.
Pau Torres, 8 – Assured and calm as always with the ball at his feet, and that was vital in preventing us from coming under sustained pressure. Did really well as part of a top backline display.
Lucas Digne, 7.5 – Caught out a couple of times with Saka making a run in behind him, but that was always going to be a difficult task. Did well for the most part though and produced the cross that found Bailey for our opener.
Nicolo Zaniolo, 8 – A massive shift from the Italian international, as he was a constant out-ball for us and used his physicality and technical ability well to either hold up play or keep our moves going. Work ethic was excellent from a defensive perspective.
Youri Tielemans, 8.5 – Top effort from the midfielder as he was really good in possession, slowing the tempo down to suit us so we could get a foothold. So unlucky not to get on the scoresheet with an effort that struck the crossbar and post, and looked really effective alongside McGinn.
John McGinn, 8.5 – Superb performance from the Villa skipper, as he was the energetic, physical and tenacious presence that we needed in midfield to avoid getting overrun. Helped us gain control in the game, particularly in the second half, and it was great to see him back in the central role next to Tielemans, giving us an important balance and dynamic in that area of the pitch.
Morgan Rogers, 8 – Really clever with his movement and ability to find space between the lines, as he helped us string our play together and create a threat. Worked hard off the ball too, as he continues to show really positive signs.
Moussa Diaby, 7 – Showed glimpses of his threat at times, but found it difficult to get into situations where his pace, directness and attacking intent could make the difference. Was eventually replaced in the second half.
Ollie Watkins, 8.5 – So unfortunate in the first half not to find the back of the net as his effort hit the post and span out for a goal kick. Tireless work ethic to give us a presence and focal point up top, and then showed his class in front of goal with a beautiful dinked finish to make it 2-0 and seal the win for us.
Substitutes:
Leon Bailey, 7.5 – Did really well to keep his composure and shape to slot home our opener with his right foot, and that capped off a really impressive impact off the bench.
Alex Moreno, N/A
