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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Simon Collings

Arsenal player ratings vs Aston Villa: Unstoppable Saka shrugs off rough treatment; Jorginho superb

Bukayo Saka was the star as Arsenal scored two injury-time goals to beat Aston Villa and end their winless run.

The Gunners were twice behind at Villa Park as first Ollie Watkins and Philippe Coutinho put Unai Emery’s side in front.

Arsenal, however, equalised on both occasions through Saka and Oleksandr Zinchenko to level the game with 30 minutes to go.

The match looked set to end in a draw, but then an Emi Martinez own-goal and one from Gabriel Martinelli handed the Gunners three points at the death.

Simon Collings was at Villa Park to see Arsenal in action...

Aaron Ramsdale - 7

Almost caught out early on when he wanted too long with the ball at his feet. Will be disappointed with the second Villa goal, when Coutinho gave him the eyes and sent him the wrong way. Made two huge saves late on to deny Leon Bailey and then Jhon Duran.

Ben White - 6

One of those from the Arsenal team who was culpable for starting the game slowly. Lost Alex Moreno too easily for Villa’s second goal. Was lively going forward in the second-half.

William Saliba - 5

The Frenchman was beaten far too easily by Watkins for Villa’s opener as the striker just skipped past him. Was better and more assured after the break.

Gabriel - 6

The better of Arsenal’s two centre-backs, but he too didn’t have his best game of the season. Made a vital tackle on Bailey late on.

(Action Images via Reuters)

Oleksandr Zinchenko - 7

Had a difficult first-half and he gave the ball away too easily for the Villa opener. Much better after the break and scored his first goal for Arsenal.

Martin Odegaard - 6

Struggled in the first-half but he was better after the break and his influence grew as the game wore on. Assisted the second Arsenal goal, but then missed a sitter late on with the goal gaping.

Jorginho - 8

Started once again in the absence of the injured Thomas Partey. One of those who held his own even when team struggling. Had a big hand in the third goal.

Granit Xhaka - 5

The Swiss has been excellent for much of this season, but this wasn’t one of his best games. Couldn’t influence the game in the way he usually does.

Bukayo Saka - 8 | Star player

Arsenal’s best player and he continues to impress, even when the team are struggling. Scored a good goal in the first-half and kept going, despite getting some rough treatment from Villa defenders.

Eddie Nketiah - 5

A difficult afternoon for the striker. In the first-half, he struggled to hold the ball up and link play. After the break, he hit the crossbar and then missed a great chance. Setup Odegaard for a glorious chance.

Leandro Trossard - 6

The Belgian got his first Premier League start since joining Arsenal, but he did not make the most of it. Was neat and tidy, but didn’t cause the Villa defence many problems.

Substitutions

Gabriel Martinelli (Trossard 68’) - 7

Dropped to the bench, but came on to score Arsenal’s fourth.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (White 79’) - N/A

Fabio Vieira (Xhaka 79’) - 6

Set up Martinelli’s goal with a good pass.

Rob Holding (Odegaard 90’) - N/A

Kieran Tierney (Zinchenko 90’) - N/A

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