Villa Park has often been one of Arsenal’s trickier away grounds under Mikel Arteta and it proved so again as the Gunners faltered to a 2-1defeat in the Premier League.
A late Emiliano Buendia winner gave the hosts the three points after Matty Cash had opened the scoring for Villa in the first half.
Leandro Trossard thought he had done enough to get at least a point for Arsenal, but his early second-half goal proved to be in vain come full time.
Unai Emery’s side sit just three points behind the Gunners as the busy December period begins. But, looking back on a disappointing afternoon for the visitors, who performed and who did not?
(Credit: Stuart MacFarlane/ GettyImages)
Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
David Raya – 7
Raya was forced into numerous saves in Birmingham, but ultimately, even he could not prevent the inevitable.
Nevertheless, a superb first-half stop to deny Ollie Watkins prevented the Gunners from sinking further behind their opponents and several other saves proved to be top-class.
Ben White – 7
White was arguably the best Arsenal defender on the pitch. He had the difficult task of dealing with the technical Morgan Rogers, but for the most part, he marshalled the tricky winger well.
Arteta’s side look better going forward when White reconnected with Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard after a prolonged absence from starting games.
Jurrien Timber – 5
There can be no denying that Timber has had a brilliant season for Arsenal, but this was arguably his worst game so far.
Often dragged out of position, Timber was exposed in the centre of defence several times and in truth, the Gunners were lucky to leave England’s second city with just a 2-1 loss.
Piero Hincapié – 6
Alongside the Dutchman was summer signing Piero Hincapié. A shaky first half blossomed into a dominant second in which the Ecuadorian made a number of crucial challenges, blocks and clearances to keep his side in the game.
However, his eagerness to carry the ball instead of clearing it, led to the throw-in from which Buendia scored, ultimately dropping a potentially valuable point.
Riccardo Calafiori – 4
Villa had a field day down Arsenal’s left-hand side, and Calafiori was often caught in between tucking in alongside Hincapié or pushing forward to reignite the high press.
It was surprising how the Villains did not capitalise on this more.
Martin Zubimendi – 6
The Spaniard has received some criticism after his performance at Villa Park, but he remained unnoticed throughout the game.
However, his role in this team is to keep the ball and distribute it to the likes of Ødgeaard and Eberechi Eze, who will provide the flame to Zubimendi’s spark.
Declan Rice – 8
As usual, Rice could do wrong for his side. Crucial blocks, tackles and darting runs come as standard for the marauding midfielder who was brilliant again.
Rice won the ball high up the pitch to create the Gunners’ goal.
Martin Ødegaard – 7
A quiet first half preceded a good second for the Norwegian maestro. Chances created were ultimately spurned by his teammates, but Ødegaard also showcased his shooting ability at times, too.
It is clear that both him and Eze cannot play in the same side.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Saka put in another one of his ‘average’ performances – a telling reminder that his output remains constant when not at his electric best.
However, Maatsen was left with a headache trying to deal with the winger who fired the ball across the box for Trossard’s strike.
Eberechi Eze – 3
(Credit: Harry Murphy/ GettyImages).
Eze had a rough 45-minute cameo. A small lapse of concentration allowed Cash an extra yard before striking his effort through Raya, leaving Eze to rue his mistake.
The North London derby hat-trick hero looks a shadow if his best on the left. It is becoming apparent that centrally is his best area.
Mikel Merino – 3
Another poor first-half performance saw Mikel Merino removed from the fray at half time. The midfielder-turned striker was sloppy on the ball and ineffective in the box when called upon.
Substitutes
Leandro Trossard – 7
Came on, scored, went off. Trossard had a short but sweet cameo in Birmingham. His apparent knock will be of concern to the Arsenal medical team.
Viktor Gyökeres – 5
Unusually, the Swede was marshalled out of the game by an opposition defence. His of the ball work was solid as per usual, but his hold-up play was lacking.
Noni Madueke – 6
Did not have much time to affect the game.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – N/A
Gabriel Martinelli – N/A