Arsenal suffered a massive blow in the Premier League title race after a 2-0 loss at home to Aston Villa. The Gunners are now two points behind Manchester City with just six games to go in the season.
Kai Havertz had multiple chances to give them the lead in the game but the German failed to make an impact. He had his shots blocked or saved easily, much like Bukayo Saka from the other flank.
Leon Baily, Aston Villa’s super-sub, made them pay with a late goal in the game. Just as the Gunners went into an all-attack mode to get the equalizer, Ollie Watkins ran down the other end and slotted in a second to seal the win for Unai Emery against his former side.
Arsenal Player Ratings:
David Raya – 5 – Aston Villa had two shots on target today, and both resulted in goals that saw Arsenal lose the match.
Benjamin White – 7.5 – Pick of the Arsenal defenders today as he stuck to his task. Kept Zaniolo and Digne in his track and hardly put a foot wrong after getting booked.
William Saliba – 6.5 – A rare day off for the Frenchman, but it cost them dearly. He could have done a lot better for both goals.
Gabriel Magalhães – 6 – Got booked in the first half and was on his toes all the time because of Watkins.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 5 – A big issue for Arsenal at the back as the Ukranian was always out of position or dropping deep to allow Aston Villa easy attacks.
Martin Ødegaard – 7 – Had to be taken off due to an injury issue but was good throughout the game.
Declan Rice – 6 – The game drifted by Rice today, and he could not make any significant impact. Both his shots were off target and he could not create much as well.
Kai Havertz – 5.5 – The German had multiple chances to get Arsenal the lead, but failed to convert any of them.
Bukayo Saka – 7 – Was on fire in the first half, but did not get on the scoresheet.
Gabriel Jesus – 6 – The Brazilian was unable to get into the right position and was often missing inside the box when needed.
Leandro Trossard – 6.5 – Had two shots in the game, but was isolated most of the time.
Takehiro Tomiyasu – 6 – Came on White in the second half, but could not keep the Aston Villa attackers quiet like the Englishman.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6.5 – Had more impact in the game than Trossard but could not get on the scoresheet.
Emile Smith Rowe – 6 – Replaced Odgarrd but hardly made an impact in the final 10 mins.
Jorginho – 5.5 – Brought on for Jesus to allow the fullbacks to attack, but could not do much for the Gunners.
Edward Nketiah – 5 – Played the final few minutes and did not do anything significant.
Aston Villa Player Ratings:
Emiliano Martínez – 8 – Man of the match for his stunning saves to deny his former side today.
Ezri Konsa – 7 – Kept Trossard and Zinchenko in line and never allowed them to control the game.
Diego Carlos – 7 – Made crucial tackles in and round the box to ensure Arsenal did not take the lead.
Pau Torres – 7 – Was at the toes of the Arsenal attackers as soon as they got the ball and did not give them time to breathe.
Lucas Digne – 7.5 – Easily the best full-back in the match today as he was present in attack and defense every time he was needed.
John McGinn – 7 – A captain’s display all around and he ensured they did not miss Douglas Luiz.
Youri Tielemans – 8 – Almost scored a stunner but was unlucky to see it come off the post. Ended up assisting the second goal of the game with a brilliant through ball.
Moussa Diaby – 6 – Hardly made an impact in the game today and Unai Emery was quick to take him off at the hour mark/
Morgan Rogers – 6.5 – Was all over the place and left a huge gap in attack for Aston Villa when needed.
Nicolò Zaniolo – 6 – Could not do much in the match as he was always marked by Ben White or tracked down by Odegaard.
Ollie Watkins – 7.5 – Was brilliant even without the goal, but managed to get on the scoresheet to seal the win at Emirates.
Leon Bailey – 7.5 – Definition of an impact substitute today as he scored the all-important first goal in the 84th minute.
Alex Moreno – 6.5 – Replaced Zainolo late in the game and added an extra late of protection on the left flank. Played as a left winger today more than a wing-back.
Also Read: Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp Was Displeased with Joe Gomez Amidst Atalanta Defeat