Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal: Post-Match Gunners player ratings
Credit: David Price/ GettyImages
Arsenal secured a second, and first away, victory of the Premier League season as they edged out Aston Villa 1-0 at Villa Park.
A second-half strike from Bukayo Saka proved the crucial moment in a game of few clear-cut chances.
The Gunners struggled to break down a stubborn Villa defence that was much more solid after the 4-0 mauling suffered against Brighton the week prior.
In an evenly matched encounter, who stood out from Mikel Arteta’s side in the manager’s 250th Premier League game?
Arsenal player ratings
David Raya – 7
The Spaniard had little to do, with Villa not having a shot on target. That being said, he was dominant from set pieces and reliable in his distribution.
Raya also helped to run the clock down as he secured his second clean sheet of the season.
Ben White – 6
Solid defensively but did not link up as well as he has previously with Saka. White was a bit sloppy in possession at times and had a penalty scare, albeit he let go of Ian Maatsen’s arm at just the right time.
Cristhian Mosquera – 7
Solid again alongside Gabriel. Mosquera dealt with the occasional threat of Emiliano Buendia and Nicolas Jackson well.
However, a suspected hamstring injury could prove concerning.
Gabriel Magalhães – 7
Gabriel was his usual commanding self from the heart of defence as he helped steer the Gunners to another clean sheet.
Riccardo Calafiori – 8
Another superb performance from Calafiori as he notched his second assist in as many games. The Italian defender was slid in by Eberechi Eze before sliding to cut the ball back to Saka who did the rest.
A fine assist was also complemented by a sturdy defensive display.
Declan Rice – 7
Helped to break up the Villa attacks and also drove his team forwards to stop the opposition momentum.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7
It was another mature performance from the Hale End graduate. Lewis-Skelly was often at the base of the midfield as he looked to advance the ball.
Showed some glimpses of quality on the ball.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Naomi Baker/ GettyImages
Naomi Baker/ GettyImages
Took his goal well but was rather ineffective, especially in the first half. That being said, Villa often doubled up on Saka, but the one time they lost track of him, he was there to punish Unai Emery’s men.
Kai Havertz – 5
Often caught offside and spurned a couple of good opportunities. Not his finest game in Arsenal colours.
Christos Tzolis – 5
Substituted by Arteta at half-time after a poor 45 minutes. Matty Cash defended the Greek winger well and got his man booked in a frustrating cameo.
Substitutes
Eberechi Eze – 8
A great substitution by Mikel Arteta, and he may have played his way into the side for the Chelsea clash. A couple of incisive passes and key runs often got his side up the pitch.
Eze was heavily involved in the goal.
Mikel Merino – 6
Did well in an advanced position to involve Saka in the game when on the pitch.
Bruno Guimaraes – 7
A solid cameo from the Brazilian international.
Ezri Konsa – 6
Not much to do defensively but did well to ride the jeers at his former club.
Martin Zubimendi – 7
Did well to break up play. A quality substitution to have in your locker.