Arsenal secured a commanding 4-1 home victory over Aston Villa behind a sensational Leandro Trossard performance and a second-half scoring blitz.
Arsenal asserted their dominance at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, dismantling Aston Villa with a clinical second-half display.
After a frustratingly quiet opening 45 minutes, Mikel Arteta’s side found their rhythm, netting four times to secure a 4-1 victory.
Despite a late consolation goal for the visitors, the Gunners moved forward with a statement win that highlighted their offensive depth and midfield control.
Arsenal Player Ratings
David Raya: 6.5/10
The Spanish shot-stopper was largely a spectator for much of the evening but remained alert to pull off one significant save. He displayed his usual composure with his feet, though he will undoubtedly be frustrated at losing his clean sheet to a late Ollie Watkins strike.
Jurrien Timber: 7/10
Making a successful return to the lineup, Timber was industrious on the right flank. He balanced his defensive duties with a high-energy attacking presence, creating two notable opportunities. His efforts were rewarded with an assist, proving his value to Arteta’s tactical setup.
William Saliba: 6.5/10
Saliba provided his trademark calm in the heart of the defense for the majority of the contest. He was effective at snuffing out Villa’s early transitions, though he was part of the backline that eventually switched off during the final minutes, allowing the visitors to get on the scoresheet.
Gabriel: 7.5/10
The Brazilian defender was a titan in both boxes. Defensively, he was sharp in his recovery play, but his biggest contribution came at the other end. He broke the deadlock in the 48th minute, rising to meet a delivery and setting the tone for a dominant second half.
Piero Hincapie: 7/10
The left-back offered a very balanced performance, proving to be a reliable outlet in possession and a sturdy defender. He transitioned well between phases, ensuring that Arsenal maintained pressure while remaining insulated against Villa’s wide threats.
Martin Odegaard: 8/10
The captain was the orchestrator of Arsenal’s creative play, constantly picking locks in the final third. His vision and technical quality were on full display as he dictated the tempo of the game, finishing the night with a well-deserved assist to his name.
Martin Zubimendi: 8/10
In a standout performance, the midfielder showed why he has become a vital cog in the Arsenal machine. He was influential at both ends of the pitch and showcased great predatory instincts to double the Gunners’ lead in the 52nd minute with a precise finish.
Mikel Merino: 7.5/10
Merino provided the necessary steel and intelligence in the center of the park. He anchored the midfield with discipline while still managing to venture forward to create several high-quality chances for the frontline, keeping Villa under constant duress.
Bukayo Saka: 7/10
While he didn’t manage to get on the scoresheet himself, Saka was a persistent thorn in the side of the Villa defense. His direct running and ability to draw multiple markers opened up space for his teammates to exploit throughout the evening.
Viktor Gyokeres: 6/10
The striker worked tirelessly to lead the line and found himself in several promising positions. However, it was a night of near-misses for the forward, as he lacked the final clinical touch required to find the back of the net.
Leandro Trossard: 9/10
The Man of the Match delivered a masterclass on the left wing. Trossard was virtually unplayable, terrorizing the Villa defense every time he touched the ball. He capped off a brilliant individual performance with both a goal and an assist.