Martin Odegaard starred in the win over Aston Villa
(Picture: REUTERS)Arsenal kept up their perfect start to the season by beating Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium to stay top of the Premier League.
The Gunners were utterly dominant in the first-half, but they only led by one thanks to a Gabriel Jesus goal.
Mikel Arteta’s side continued to control proceedings after the break, however Villa grabbed a shock equaliser as Douglas Luiz scored straight from a corner.
Arsenal hit back three minutes after that, though, as Gabriel Martinelli tapped home Bukayo Saka’s cross to make it five wins from five for the Gunners in the Premier League.
Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to rate the Arsenal players...
Aaron Ramsdale - 5
Spent most of the game with very little to do, other than helping Arsenal build out from the back, but then got undone straight from a corner.
Ben White - 7
Had another good game at right-back as he dealt well with what little threat Villa had out left. Taken off just after the hour mark.
William Saliba - 7
Looked calm and assured, bar one occasion when Ollie Watkins got the wrong side of him. Settled very quickly into the defence.
Gabriel - 8
Arguably his best game of the season so far and was probably Arsenal’s best defender on the night too. Dominant at the back and went close to scoring too.
This Arsenal side are just built different!
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 31, 2022
Gabriel Martinelli fires the Gunners head immediately after Aston Villa had them pegged back 👊 pic.twitter.com/vN708OMxpJ
Kieran Tierney - 7
Still working his way back to full match sharpness and fitness, but this was an improvement from Fulham on the weekend. Linked up well with Martinelli at times.
Martin Odegaard - 8 | Star man
Really feels like he is coming into his own after a steady start in the first two games. Some of his vision and passing is on a different level to his team-mates.
Albert Sambi Lokonga - 8
Thrown into the midfield in the absence of the injured Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey. Broke up play well and kept things ticking with his passing.
Granit Xhaka - 7
Played ever so slightly deeper tonight but he still had a good game. Almost setup Martinelli for a stunning volley from outside the box.
Bukayo Saka - 7
Was having a really frustrating night and squandered a glorious chance in the first-half. Then delivered the goods by setting up Martinelli for the winner.
Gabriel Jesus - 7
Got the goal his performance deserved as he worked tirelessly up top. Caused Villa’s centre-backs plenty of problems with his close control.
Gabriel Martinelli - 7
Continued his fine start to the season by scoring the winner here. Got down the left flank a few times and Matty Cash couldn’t cope with him.
Substitutions
Takehiro Tomiyasu (White 64’) - 6
On for White and showed his intent by trying to overlap Saka as often as possible.
Emile Smith Rowe (Odegaard 80’) - N/A
Rob Holding (Saka 87’) - N/A
Eddie Nketiah (Jesus 88’) - N/A
