Aston Villa v Arsenal: Player Ratings
BBC Sport rated the players in Arsenal's narrow victory at Aston Villa. Here’s their assessment, alongside how you rated them (based on the text provided).
Aston Villa Starting XI:
- Zion Suzuki (7): A debut for the £30m goalkeeper from Parma. He misjudged a corner but his distribution impressed.
- Matty Cash (6): Solid display, getting the better of Christos Tzolis.
- Pau Torres (6): Helped keep Arsenal at bay until Saka's goal.
- Victor Lindelof (6): Diligently tried to contain Arsenal.
- Ian Maatsen (6): With competition from new signing Matteo Ruggeri, he had a tough time against Bukayo Saka.
- Boubacar Kamara (7): Crucial in protecting Villa's midfield and frustrating Arsenal until the opening goal.
- Ross Barkley (6): Given a second chance at Villa, trying to facilitate their rebuilding efforts.
- John McGinn (6): Drilled over and was energetic as Villa tried to unsettle Arsenal.
- Emi Buendia (6): Hit the bar early and a good creative outlet, but lacking the final touch.
- George Hemmings (7): Showed no fear against the champions, threatening in the first half with a low cross.
- Nicolas Jackson (6): The £65m record signing showing glimpses of his potential.
Subs:
- Tammy Abraham (6)
- Alysson (6)
- Alejandro Garnacho (5)
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka (5)
Arsenal Starting XI:
- David Raya (6): Reliable display with a good range of passing.
- Ben White (6): Not as much overlap as usual but contributed to Arsenal's clean sheet.
- Cristhian Mosquera (6): Solid performance next to Gabriel. Injured in the second half.
- Gabriel Magalhaes (7): Led Arsenal’s back four and had a chance early on from an Arsenal corner (over).
- Riccardo Calafiori (8): Adventurous runs forward when Arsenal attacked, assisting Saka's goal.
- Declan Rice (assured)