Arsenal picked up another big three points in their push for Champions League qualification as they beat Aston Villa thanks to Bukayo Saka’s goal.
Here’s how Mikel Arteta’s side rated at Villa Park...
Bernd Leno 7
Spectator for most of the first-half on first league start since August but brave when he needed to be in difficult conditions. Will surely be someone’s No1 next season.
Cedric Soares 7
Continues to exceed expectations in deputising for Takehiro Tomiyasu. Booked.
Gabriel 6
Not quite at his best but dovetailed well with White as usual in marshalling Watkins’ threat.
Ben White 8
Gets more assured by the week and fully deserving of England recall. Crucial to withstanding late pressure.
Kieran Tierney 7
Got forward more than in recent weeks, with more of a responsibility to offer width alongside Smith Rowe’s tendency to drift inside. Alert with a couple of vital defensive interventions, too.
Thomas Partey 7
Shot straight at Martinez when well-placed early on but this was another excellent display. So smooth.
Granit Xhaka 6
Combined nicely with Smith Rowe in first-half and curbed recent attacking role after the break as Villa threatened. Booked, obviously.
Martin Odegaard 7
Played slightly less of a role in dictating affairs than of late but still so efficient in possession. Rarely makes the wrong decision.
Emile Smith Rowe 8
Superb on return to the XI. Arsenal shift up a gear when he gets the ball.
Bukayo Saka 8
Took tally for the season into double figures and tormented Ashley Young. Had to put up with a bit of a kicking, too, but is tough enough.
Alexandre Lacazette 6
Fairly quiet afternoon, perhaps feeling the effects of three games in seven days. Should’ve played in Odegaard for clincher 15 minutes from time.
Substitutes
Nicolas Pepe (Saka 69’)
Eddie Nketiah (Lacazette 77’)
Rob Holding (Odegaard 86’)
Unused: Okonkwo, Tavares, Swanson, Lokonga, Elneny, Hutchinson.
