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Silky Smooth Saka Strikes But Three Starting XI Players Falter: How Arsenal Players Fared Against Aston Villa

by Kunal Chawda -
Aston Villa vs Arsenal

Arsenal vs Aston Villa was an important match in all aspects for both teams. Both teams were playing after a short resting period, (Arsenal had just over 60 hrs Rest), and losses in previous matches. Bukayo Saka score the crucial goal, which proved enough for the visitors to pick up 3 points from the game. We evaluate every Arsenal players’ rating from the match.

Arsenal reached many milestones in an eventful game. Saka’s goal was Gunners’ 2000th goal in the league. Also, this was Gunner’s 5th consecutive away win, 1st time since the 2015 season. An away win over Villans was the visitor’s 13th league win, equaling their record against West Ham United.

Gunners started brightly as they were close to scoring in the first few minutes of the match. Visitor’s kept on pressing for the ball and made many attempts on the Villa goal. They were finally rewarded with Saka’s half volley shot going through a bunch of players to the back of the net. Interestingly home team couldn’t attempt any shot on target even with the strong offensive line-up.

The second half was more similar but Aston Villa played with more intent and tried to score. Arsenal was better with the balls and kept the opposition at bay. Villans made last-ditch attempts in the added minutes, but defensive substitution from Arteta helped Arsenal to hold on to a slender 1-0 lead.

Arsenal Player Ratings Against Aston Villa

Starting XI:

Bernd Leno (GK) – 7.0: It was never easy to play in a league match after nearly 5 months period. But the German shot-stopper was at his best and kept an important clean sheet for the team. He was playing since the hip injury to the Arsenal No. 1, but the production from Leno was so great to keep Gunners in the hunt for the top 4.

Cedric Soares (RB) – 7.5: Portuguese defender started in 5th league match in a row, and gave better performance than his previous ones. He was lively on both ends of the field but played a more defensive role in 2nd half.

Ben White (CB) – 8.5: Ben White being selected for the England team, just showed his class in the game. He made sure that no ball or pass will go through him and kept the ball ticking over constantly.

Gabriel Magalhaes (CB) – 8.5: A masterful performance from the Brazilian as he was dominant in the air and also on the field. He kept his patrolling area clean with nice positioning and interceptions.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – 7.0: With Villans making most attempts on the right-wing, Scot international got a chance to make some forward runs. He connected well with ESR and also played well in “triangles”.

Midfield and Attack :

Thomas Partey (CM) – 8.5: A week-in week-out best performer for Arsenal. February’s player of the month would well be on his way for closing March with another monthly award. He helped to solidify the Arsenal defense. He also had an attempt on goal but sadly it was straight to the former Arsenal Shot-stopper.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – 6.0: Playing again on the wing, the Swiss international played his part well. It was a needless foul to get a yellow card in the last minute of 1st half. But 29-years old player had some great touch passes in the game.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – 7.5: A bit tired youngster played well in the game. He was more productive in the 1st half created many chances in the game. Considering his current form and status as a play-maker, he was tightly marked, but Norway international still had the quality to break Aston Villa’s defense.

Emile Smith Rowe (LAM) – 7.0: Played in absence of Martinelli, ESR tried to make an impact on the game. He had many attempts on the goal when given chances, but those were a bit off-target. Unlucky mot to score, with so many chances, ESR will look to get on the sheet in the next fixtures.

Bukayo Saka (RAM) – 8.0: Certainly a threat to Villa’s defense. He was tightly marked and continuously fouled by many tacklers. But Arsenal enjoyed the best attacks from the right side and finally got the winning goal from Saka’s boot. 

Alexandre Lacazette (ST) – 5.5: Bit off in the match. Frenchman kept the defenders busy with his runs and strong positioning, but could not impact the game much. He had one nice chance for the “assist”, but instead of passing to Odegaard, Laca shot goalwards, which was counted only as an attempt on goal.

Substitutes in Arsenal vs Leicester:

Nicolas Pepe (6.5): Replaced Saka, and played front target man for Arsenal. He made good off-ball runs but hardly had any decisive pass to score.

Read More:

Rob Holding (NA): Arsenal shifted to the defensive formation by binging in Holding late in the match. did his part well to keep opponents away from the goal.

Eddie Nketiah (NA): Not many rating-worthy plays.

Do you agree with the given player ratings for the Arsenal vs Aston Villa game? Let us know your opinions in the comments section below.

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Kunal Chawda

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