Arsenal recorded a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Aston Villa in a huge statement about their title ambitions.
Arsenal headed into the game knowing that the pressure was on them to make a statement as they aim to win the Premier League title this season.
Aston Villa were the only team to beat Arsenal twice last season, and today was the chance for revenge as Mikel Arteta’s side aimed to build on their opening-day win against Wolves.
Arteta made just one change to his starting XI, as Jurrien Timber replaced Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back, and the Dutchman made his first start since his Premier League debut a year ago.
Both teams went into the break with the scores level after a cagey first-half. Bukayo Saka forced a good save off Emi Martinez, and Gabriel Magalhaes was fortunate as Ollie Watkins missed a glorious chance after the centre-back made a huge error on the ball.
Arsenal then withstood pressure, with David Raya making a superb save from Watkins, before taking the lead as substitute Leandro Trossard fired into the bottom corner.
Thomas Partey then fired in a superb second goal, which flew in off Martinez’s hand, and sent the away end into raptures, before Arsenal closed out the win and clean sheet.
Here’s how the Arsenal players rated at Villa Park against Unai Emery’s side.
Arsenal player ratings vs Aston Villa
David Raya – 9
Made a few strong claims in the first half. Best moment came when he made a world-class save in the second half, after an outstanding reaction stop to a header from Watkins after the ball came back off the crossbar after a deflection. Strong on corners throughout, and his save proved to be a game-winning moment.
Ben White – 7
Fans loved a moment where he fired the ball at John McGinn in the first half. Solid defensively throughout, made some strong forward passes.
William Saliba – 9
Imperious throughout defensively as Watkins could hardly get into the game. Some brilliant interceptions and physical battles. Made several crucial interventions in the second-half to secure the clean sheet and win. Monstrous performance.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7
Recovered from a huge error which led to a Watkins chance. Handled Watkins well apart from his error, but did have give the ball away with some sloppy passes. Made up for it with an outstanding pass to Trossard in the build-up to the second goal.
Jurrien Timber – 8
In for Zinchenko, Timber put in a strong display at left-back. Defensively solid and rarely beaten, whilst also pushing up into midfield with a lot of freedom. Substituted for Riccardo Calafiori after 78 minutes.
Thomas Partey – 8
Silenced his critics with a sensational performance throughout the game. Much calmer on the ball, broke the lines with his forward passing, but did have some trouble dealing with Morgan Rogers at times. Scored the second goal with a well-struck effort which Martinez could not keep out.
Declan Rice – 5
Rice was far from his usual self, and failed to offer support to Gabriel Martinelli on the left side. Booked for a sloppy tackle, and was beaten by Rogers on several occasions.
Martin Odegaard – 7
His crosses could not be converted into assists, but Odegaard held the ball well in attacking positions. Missed a glorious chance to make it 3-0 late on.
Bukayo Saka – 8
Tested Martinez with a strong shot in the first half. Held the ball up well in the second-half, and played a part in both goals. Kept the ball in to fire in the cross which eventually found Trossard, before laying it off for Partey to fire in.
Kai Havertz – 7
Struggled to get into the game at times, and squandered a key opening in the first-half. Work rate was strong throughout, as he helped his defenders out by tracking back well at times in the second period.
Gabriel Martinelli – 5
Looked low on confidence. Got on the ball a fair bit in the first half but had some frustrating moments. Had little support
Substitutes
Leandro Trossard – 9
Did exactly what was asked of him as he scored just minutes after coming on for Martinelli, firing a clinical shot into the bottom corner. Decisive in front of goal yet again and performance was very strong overall with some nice touches and dribbles.
Reiss Nelson – N/A
Came on for Saka as a late substitute, and did not have much to do.
Riccardo Calafiori – 7
Strong start for Calafiori on his debut. Riled up Martinez in the opposition net, and made an excellent tackle to prevent a Villa chance. Looks to have settled well.
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