Arsenal travelled to Villa Park on Saturday knowing that a win will take them back to the top of the Premier League table.
Arsenal came unstuck against Aston Villa, falling behind Liverpool, who now lead the way in the Premier League.
Aston Villa started brightly, picking up from where they left off against Manchester City last time out. With just seven minutes on the clock, Leon Bailey picked out John McGinn in the box, who was able to swivel and finish past David Raya.
Mikel Arteta, who was watching on from the stands due to a suspension, will feel his side had the better of the play for the rest of the half, carving out a number of decent chances. However, they were still 1-0 down at the break.
The Gunners huffed and puffed in the second half. More chances came and went begging. Ultimately, Arteta will be extremely frustrated that his team were not able to find the back of the net.
Arsenal player ratings vs Aston Villa
David Raya – 6.5/10
After a horror show against Luton Town, Raya needed a better showing at Villa Park. He was not at fault for the goal, made a few decent saves, and looked comfortable with the ball at his feet.
Ben White – 4.5/10
Ben White did not give Arsenal enough going forward, and was not tight enough to McGinn, who was allowed to turn in the Arsenal box far too easily for his goal.
William Saliba – 6.5/10
Some poor passes and nerviness in the first half from the £27 million Frenchman. William Saliba was much more composed and like his usual self after the break.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7/10
Solid throughout and made some vital tackles and interceptions.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6/10
Caught infield for the goal, allowing Bailey far too much space on the flank. Beyond that, he tried to make things happen with his passing, playing a few clever balls over the top of the Aston Villa back-line which were not capitalised upon.
Declan Rice – 6/10
Declan Rice was mired in a tough midfield battle today. Whilst he was able to hold his own, the former West Ham man did not shine in the way Arteta will have gotten used to this season.
Martin Odegaard – 5/10
Martin Odegaard missed glorious opportunities either side of half-time. The misfiring club captain should have secured at least a point for the Gunners.
Kai Havertz – 6.5/10
Caused problems with his runs in behind and a tight VAR call denied him a late equaliser. Another solid showing from the German.
Bukayo Saka – 7/10
Arsenal’s danger man throughout, and another player missing his shooting boots on the day.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6.5/10
Full of running but the final ball was missing from Gabriel Martinelli.
Gabriel Jesus – 6/10
Like his compatriot Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus posed a threat but all too often his final touch let him down.
Substitutes
Leandro Trossard – 5/10
Eddie Nketiah – 5/10
Reiss Nelson – 6/10
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