Arsenal suffered a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa after Emi Buendia scored with the final kick of the game, with strong performances from captain Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice overshadowed by defensive struggles and poor displays from three key players who were rated 4/10.
Arsenal Player Ratings
David Raya – 6
The goalkeeper managed two crucial interventions to thwart Ollie Watkins on either side of the half-time interval and displayed courage during the intense closing stages. There was little he could have done to prevent either of the two goals conceded by the visitors.
Ben White – 6
The defender offered an offensive threat with several well-placed passes into the danger area. However, his defensive contribution was less convincing, as he frequently left exposed areas behind him that the Villa forwards were quick to exploit.
Jurrien Timber – 5
Deployed outside of his standard position, the defender showed visible struggles with his spatial awareness and was notably spun around by Ollie Watkins at one point. His display was clearly hampered by being shifted from his usual role on the right flank.
Piero Hincapie – 6
Hincapie appeared careless in possession at times, often choosing to launch the ball forward quickly instead of taking his time to execute precise passes. Despite this, he generally held his own when tasked with traditional defending duties.
Riccardo Calafiori – 7
The left-sided player brought significant vitality, making energetic forward runs to aid the attack while simultaneously tracking back to fulfill his responsibilities at the back. He was cautioned with a booking during the second half.
Martin Zubimendi – 4
The central midfielder was largely inconspicuous during the match, failing to assert his presence sufficiently in the engine room. His defensive positioning was also frequently questionable throughout the contest.
Declan Rice – 7
The hard-working midfielder was arguably the team’s most effective presence in the centre of the pitch, contributing meaningfully in both attacking and defensive phases. He successfully retrieved possession during the sequence that led to Arsenal’s equalizing goal.
Martin Odegaard – 8
Odegaard was instrumental in initiating the move that culminated in the leveling goal, truly coming alive after the break. He was the chief creative force for the team in the attacking third during the second half.
Eberechi Eze – 4
Eze failed to make the desired impact and crucially neglected to track Matty Cash’s run, which led directly to Villa’s opening goal. He was subsequently withdrawn at the interval.
Bukayo Saka – 7
He delivered a spirited and dynamic performance, being the catalyst for the equalizer and involved in nearly every positive attacking moment. He received a yellow card for a late challenge on Ian Maatsen.
Mikel Merino – 4
The forward struggled to establish himself in the match, surrendering possession more often than not when given opportunities. Like Eze, he was substituted at the half-time break.