Martin Odegaard – 7
Probably among the few Arsenal players who tried hard to get the win. He dominated Villa in the first half, creating a number of key chances and helping find teammates in key areas. Tormented the visitors with his silky style but had to be substituted in the second half after seemingly sustaining an injury.
Kai Havertz – 6.5
Havertz troubled the visitors with his clever off-the-ball runs and played really nicely behind Gabriel Jesus. Troubled Martinez with a few nice shots and set up a number of decent chances too.
Bukayo Saka – 5.5
Saka was not at his clinical best at all when Arsenal needed him. He created a few decent chances, but his final output was not as ruthless as he failed to complete a single shot from four attempts.
Gabriel Jesus – 4
Jesus was another player who horribly lacked his goal-scoring boots in the centre-forward role. He helped set up some decent stuff, but missed an easy header in the first half and never looked a serious scoring threat.
Despite being so reliable all season long, Gabriel was outwitted by the Aston Villa forwards. He struggled to keep up with Ollie Watkins and was caught in an awkward position for the first goal. Could not make a single tackle or win a ground duel, being booked too.
Zinchenko’s wing was repeatedly targeted by the Aston Villa forwards, with most of their big chances coming from that position too. He was nowhere to be seen for Bailey’s goal, allowing him to tap into an open net easily. Couldn’t create anything and looked really shaky defensively.
The Others
Raya – 5, White – 7, Saliba – 5, Rice – 4.5, Trossard – 5
Substitutes
Tomiyasu – 6, Martinelli – 5, Smith Rowe – 5.5, Jorginho – 6, Nketiah – N/R
