Mikel Arteta’s side squandered the chance to go top of the Premier League table on Sunday as they conceded two late goals
Liverpool’s shock defeat to Crystal Palace swung the Premier League title race back in Arsenal’s favour on Sunday. But with an opportunity to go top of the table beckoning, Mikel Arteta’s side wilted under the lights, with a horrific final 10 minutes gifting Aston Villa three points on a silver platter.
The 2-0 defeat will only sting more, when you consider Gunners were in control for the majority of the first half. However, they almost handed Villa the lead just before the break, with a bizarre, attempted pass by Gabriel Magalhaes allowing Ollie Watkins a sight at goal – but the England international could only strike the inside of the post.
Shortly after, Arsenal had their best chance of the opening 45 minutes, with Emiliano Martinez somehow keeping out Leandro Trossard’s close-range effort with his feet following great work from Bukayo Saka.
The tension began to bubble around the Emirates after the interval, particularly after Youri Tielemans struck the bar and post with a wicked strike from outside the box, but also because Arsenal had failed to match their first-half intensity. Eventually they were punished, first when a clanger from David Raya allowed Leon Bailey all the time to world to finish at the back post, and then, when pushing for a winner, Watkins was set free and lobbed the stricken Spaniard.
The result will leave Manchester City salivating, as they now enjoy a two-point advantage over both of their title rivals heading into the final six games of the season. Arsenal, meanwhile, have no time to lick their wounds; they’re back in Champions League action against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
GOAL rates Arsenal’s players from a disappointed Emirates Stadium…
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Goalkeeper & Defence
David Raya (4/10):
Horrible, horrible mix up gifted Bailey Villa’s first. Got lobbed too. He’d been fine up to that point, but that will all be forgotten now.
Ben White (7/10):
Presented with Arsenal’s March Player of the Month before the game and followed up with another excellent display. He so rarely makes a misstep.
Gabriel Magalhaes (5/10):
Complete brain fart nearly cost his team a goal in the first half. Did not look comfortable throughout.
William Saliba (5/10):
Made a couple of seriously important interventions early on, but hardly covered himself in glory for the first goal.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (5/10):
Caught in some strange areas which allowed Villa to counter. Overcomplicated things on the ball at times.
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Midfield
Declan Rice (6/10):
Returned to a more withdrawn midfield role and looked good. Will be interesting to see if he remains there for the second leg against Bayern.
Martin Odegaard (7/10):
Genuinely unplayable in the first half; Villa just couldn’t get near him. Faded thereafter.
Kai Havertz (6/10):
Timed some of the his runs to perfection and performed his out-of-possession duties diligently. Did lack a little conviction in the final third.
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Attack
Bukayo Saka (6/10):
Caused Villa all sorts of problems with his direct runs and mazy dribbling. Went close with a few efforts.
Gabriel Jesus (4/10):
Wasn’t always on the same wavelength as his fellow attackers. Caught offside too often as well. His work without the ball was exemplary, but he needs to offer more of a threat in games like this.
Leandro Trossard (4/10):
Had to convert from close-range just before the break. Showed quick feet a couple of times and pressed relentlessly, though he would’ve loved to get on the scoresheet again with Bayern just around the corner.
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Subs & Manager
Takehiro Tomiyasu (6/10):
Solid, as you might expect. He may be tasked with marking Sane on Wednesday night.
Gabriel Martinelli (5/10):
Quite a quiet cameo again.
Jorginho (4/10):
Gave the ball away cheaply in the build up to Villa’s second.
Emile Smith Rowe (4/10):
Rinsed by Watkins as he raced away to score.
Eddie Nketiah (N/A):
Not on for long at all.
Mikel Arteta (4/10):
Arsenal’s finishing woes returned in the first half, much to the Spaniard’s frustration. Errors are becoming concerningly regular, too. Needs to try and get a firm grip on things ahead of Wednesday’s game.
