A game which saw Arsenal play on the front foot for much of the game, with Aston Villa struggling to create many chances for themselves.

The breakthrough came when Granit Xhaka’s shot was rebounded into the path of the man in form, Gabriel Jesus, who easily smashed it past Emiliano Martinez.

Villa never really looked like scoring, but Douglas Luiz shocked the whole stadium with a goal straight from a corner. Although, they were only level for 3 minutes.

Gabriel Martinelli put the home side in front once more, thanks to a good ball from Bukayo Saka and a nice finish on the half volley from the Brazillian.

Here is how each player rated at the Emirates Stadium:

Arsenal

Aaron Ramsdale - 6/10

Had little to do for most of the game but distributed well when asked upon and could not do too much with the goal, with Boubacar Kamara blocking him from the ball.

Kieran Tierney - 7/10

A solid performance from the left back, battled well defensively whilst always being an option further up the pitch.

Gabriel Magalhaes - 7/10

Defended well throughout, winning and clearing any balls put into the box. May have scored a goal himself, with two good chances in the first half.

William Saliba - 7/10

Another great game in possession for the Frenchman, hardly put a foot wrong in possession and headed away danger well.

Ben White - 7/10 

Did not add much further up the pitch but played well in possession, hardly put a foot wrong.

Albert Sambi Lokonga - 8/10

Filled in for Thomas Partey very well and was largely impressive. Showed a great range of passing, whilst looking very comfortable on the ball.

Granit Xhaka - 8/10 

An all-around good performance from the Swiss midfielder, winning the ball multiple times in midfield whilst showing the ability to progress the ball forward. Played a role in the Jesus goal, with his shot ensuring the keeper palmed it into Jesus’ path.

Gabriel Martinelli - 9/10 

Had quiet spells in the game but when he got the ball, he made things happen for his team. Showed great technique and moved the ball quickly when in possession. Positioned himself well for the goal and good finish on the half volley.

Martin Odegaard - 9/10 

A class performance from the skipper. Repeatedly tried to get his team forward, with some great balls over the top, alongside good combinations with Jesus and Saka. 

Bukayo Saka - 8/10

A good performance from Saka, with plenty of runs down the right. Kept the ball well and fully deserved his assist with a good ball into Martinelli.

Gabriel Jesus - 9/10 

The Brazilian made many great runs in behind, whilst playing with flair and pace on the ball. Combined well with the players around him, and fully deserved his goal.

Substitutes

Takehiro Tomiyasu (64’) - 6/10

Played well with the ball at his feet but also seemed eager to push forward, a good cameo from the Japanese defender. 

Emile Smith Rowe (81’) – N/A

Rob Holding (88’) – N/A

Eddie Nketiah (88’) – N/A 

Despite only playing 6 mins, Eddie Nketiah was energic as ever. A great out ball for Arsenal and could have even got a goal himself. 

Aston Villa

Emiliano Martinez – 4/10 

Not the best of performances from the Argentine. Probably could have done better with Arsenal’s first, whilst flapping at Martinelli's effort for the second.

Lucas Digne - 5/10 

Had next to no impact on the game. Found himself pinned back by Saka often, therefore struggled to create further up

Tyrone Mings - 6/10 

A mostly strong showing at the back, heading and clearing most of the danger away. Although panicked in possession at times.

Ezri Konsa - 5/10 

Struggled to keep up with Jesus and was bullied at times, whilst not looking too comfortable with the ball at his feet.

Matty Cash - 6/10 

Made a great clearance off the line to deny Saka but struggled to influence further up the pitch.

John McGinn - 5/10 

A hard tackling performance from the Scotsman, not always good challenges. Struggled to make a big impact, other than splitting the game up with fouls.

Boubacar Kamara – 5/10 

Struggled to keep up with the pace of Arsenal’s attack. Sloppy in possession and committed many fouls. Although, played a part in Villa’s goal, shielding Aaron Ramsdale from the ball.

Jacob Ramsey - 6/10 

His biggest highlight was a poor challenge on Martinelli, which could have seen red on another day. He looked good on the ball but struggled to have too much of an impact.

Emiliano Buendia - 6/10 

Was not able to have a big influence on the game but looked like Villa’s best creative threat, with some good touches and passes around Arsenal’s box.

Leon Bailey - 7/10 

Probably looked the most likely to score for Villa, with plenty of runs which pushed his side up. Could have had a goal with an effort which was deflected just over.

Ollie Watkins - 6/10 

Looked very isolated up top and saw little of the ball. Although when the ball came he held it up well and looked to flick it on to his teammates.  

Substitutes

Douglas Luis (73’) - 7/10

A superb goal with his second touch of the ball, straight from the corner, which was his best and only real highlight from the bench.

Phillipe Coutinho – 5/10

Did not have too much influence on the game, no real moments to get his side back level.  

Danny Ings (83’) – N/A

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