PLAYER RATINGS: One Arsenal star will be bitterly disappointed with himself after 2-0 defeat by Aston Villa… while Mikel Arteta’s forwards fail to finish their chances

It may have been a pivotal weekend in the title race, with Mikel Arteta‘s side failing to make good their opportunity to go two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, following their 2-0 defeat by Aston Villa. 

Leon Bailey smashed a low effort into the bottom left corner of the goal in the 83rd minute of the match after Arsenal failed to deal with Lucas Digne’s thumping cross that flew right across the face of the goal. 

Ollie Watkins would return three minutes later to score a sensational breakaway goal, dinking the ball over David Raya to seal the victory. Aston Villa could have sealed victory earlier in the second half after Youri Tielemans smashed a long-range effort against the cross bar. 

Villa subsequently tightened their grip on a berth in the Champions League next season and moved three points clear of Tottenham in fourth place after Spurs were thumped 4-0 by Newcastle on Saturday afternoon.  

Mail Sports Isaan Khan delivers his player ratings as Arsenal drop points in the title race. 

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 ARSENAL (4-3-3)

DAVID RAYA – 6

Both Ollie Watkins and Youri Tielemans struck the goalframe in two chances. Wasn’t helped by his defence here.

BEN WHITE – 6.5

Great defending to hold off Watkins on a counter-attack after 21 minutes.

WILLIAM SALIBA – 5.5

Left Leon Bailey free at the backpost and the midfielder scored. Positioning was questionable for the second goal. Will be bitterly disappointed.

GABRIEL – 6

Made the mistake which allowed Watkins to hit a post.

OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO – 5.5

Some good link up play but his lax attempt to dribble out of danger saw Tielemans centimetres from scoring.

MARTIN ODEGAARD – 8.5

Pulled the strings in midfield. Got stuck in with tackling, too. Arsenal’s best player.

DECLAN RICE – 6

Important off the ball with his runs and positioning, and effective in pressing. But needed to have done more on the ball in attacking third.

KAI HAVERTZ – 6

Some good movement, cleverly darting through the backline from deep, but lacked that finishing. This badly hampered Arsenal at times.

BUKAYO SAKA – 6.5

Sprightly and caused numerous problems in the first but dropped off in the second period.

GABRIEL JESUS – 6

Had a good headed chance in first which went wide and a chance after 62 minutes saved.

LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6

Isolated on the left wing so could not bring his finishing, which is usually good, into play.

Substitutes 

GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6

Didn’t get much chances on the ball.

TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU – 6.5

Made tackles when required.

Manager 

MIKEL ARTETA – 5.5

His team lost on the same day as Liverpool. A big blow in the title race.

ASTON VILLA (4-4-2)  

EMI MARTINEZ – 7.5

Made some crucial saves today and was tested at points by Saka and Jesus. Exceptional save to deny Trossard in the first 45 minutes. 

EZRI KONSA – 7

Coped well against the pace that Trossard possesses on the left flank. Got forward at times and was a another attacking outlet for Villa.   

DIEGO CARLOS – 7

Solid at the back. Was imperious under the high ball and proves he can be one of the best when it comes to defending set pieces on his day. 

PAU TORRES – 6.5

An astute defender and gave Arsenal little breathing space in the Villa box.  

LUCAS DIGNE – 7 

Provided the cross that allowed Bailey to score the opener. Has a wand of a left foot and was brilliant up and down the left flank today. 

MORGAN ROGERS – 6.5 

Had a tough battle up against Rice in the centre of the park today but showed his quality both on and off the ball.  

JOHN McGINN – 7

Played a little deeper today than usual but was his usual commanding self in midfield. McGinn’s leadership shone through late on again today, compelling his team to keep advancing on Arsenal. 

YOURI TIELEMANS – 8 

Perhaps should have put the visitors 1-0 up after his second-half shot rattled the cross bar.  

NICOLO ZANIOLO – 7.5 

Perhaps one of his best games this season. Dominated Ben White with his pace down the left wing.  

MOUSSA DIABY – 6.5

Didn’t get on the score sheet and struggled to impact the game. Hooked after 60 mins. 

OLLIE WATKINS – 8.5 

Sensational goal. Sensational finish. He just can’t stop scoring. After both he and Dominic Solanke scored this weekend, Gareth Southgate has some serious thinking to do. 

SUBSTITUTES 

ALEX MORENO – 6

Came on after 80 minutes and help to turn things in Villa’s favour.  

LEON BAILEY – 7

The man that changed the game for the visitors. It was an excellent strike that put them ahead and his ninth in the Premier League this season. 

MANAGER 

UNAI EMERY – 7 

No doubt Emery will be elated by that result. His side ran Arsenal ragged in the final ten minutes of the game and were threatening down both wings. Bringing on Bailey and Moreno in the second half was a masterstroke.