Arsenal are having their dream start to the new English Premier League campaign as they make it five out of five wins for the first time since the 2004-05 campaign, where they ended up being the runners-up.
Unlike what the scoreline suggests, it was a dominating display from the Gunners and the scoreline would have been different if Arsenal could have capitalized on the missed chances.
Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring for the Gunners at the half-hour mark. Villa came up with an equalizer from the most unlikely of places as Douglas Luiz buried the ball into the net directly from a corner. But the Villa celebrations were short-lived as Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner 3 minutes later to keep the Gunners undefeated on the top of the table.
Final scoreline Arsenal 2-1 Aston Villa.
Let's jump into the player ratings for the game and let us find out the winners and losers of the game.
Player Ratings
Aaron Ramsdale (GK) (7/10)
Had literally nothing to do in the first half, such was Arsenal's dominance. Made two excellent saves to deny Emi Buendia and Leon Bailey although could have done better for the Douglas Luiz equalizer.
Ben White (DF) (7/10)
It was a walk in the park for White in the first half as Arsenal were all over Villa. But was subbed off in the 64th minute only to miss an exciting end to the match.
William Saliba (DF) (6/10)
After having excellent first four games in an Arsenal shirt, today Saliba looked a bit shaky. He was saved by Tierney for a loose ball that could have been converted by Villa forward. Had a chance to redeem his mistake on the other end connecting with Martinelli's cross but missed by an inch.
Gabriel (DF) (7/10)
He was the better of the two central defenders and had two good chances at goal but was unlucky to have not scored. Defended well in the second half.
Kieran Tierney (DF) (7/10)
Did well both in defense and offense. Had a chance on goal but his powerful first shot was deflected off by his own teammate's boots, the follow-up shot lacked power and was easily collected by Martinez.
Albert Sambi Lokonga (MF) (6/10)
Replaced the injured Mohamed Elneny at the central midfield. It was a hard-working display from the midfielder. But we sure do miss Thomas Partey.
Granit Xhaka (MF) (7/10)
He is having a good season so far. Won back possession on multiple occasions. His partnership with Martinelli on the right is getting stronger day by day. Created an excellent chance for Martinelli as well.
Bukayo Saka (MF) (8/10)
He is the only one from the front four who is goalless this season. But today we saw him back to his very best. He terrorized Villa's left flank with his electric energy and dribbles. Missed yet another golden chance in front of the goal but provided the assist for the winning goal.
Martin Odegaard (MF) (7/10)
Not the level we were used to seeing him this season. Was booked in the first half. Had the free-kick gone in, it definitely would have made up for a higher rating.
Gabriell Martinelli (MF) (9/10)
My Man of the Match.
Outstanding. His electric energy, explosive speed, and ability to dribble past the defenders made him the best player on the field for Arsenal. Was involved in both the goals as his pass was shot on goal by Xhaka and Jesus pounced on the rebound. Forced Martinez on goal again in the closing minutes of the first half. Put the game to bed with a well-deserved goal.
Gabriel Jesus (FW) (8/10)
Well, I have run out of praise for him. 3 goals and 3 assists, what a signing he is proving to be for the Gunners. Had it not been for Martinez, he could have scored a couple more goals. Terrorized the Villa defense with his press and desire to score. Excellent display.
Substitutes
Takehiro Tomiyasu (DF) (6/10)
Replaced Ben White in the 64th minute. Secured the Arsenal backline with his defensive quality and teamed up excellently with Saka while moving forward. Could have done better with the Villa equalizer.
Emile Smith Rowe (MF) (N/A)
Was called on to replace Martin Odegaard in the 81st minute. Not long enough on the pitch for a rating.
Rob Holding (DF) (N/A)
Was called on to replace Bukayo Saka in the 88th minute. Not long enough on the pitch for a rating.
Eddie Nketiah (FW) (6/10)
Made an immediate impact after coming on in the 88th minute for Gabriel Jesus. Fired a shot over the crossbar in dying minutes.
Comments
Post a Comment