Arsenal player ratings vs Aston Villa: Eberechi Eze anonymous as Leandro Trossard makes impact again | OneFootball

Mikel Merino struggles for Gunners in costly defeat, but Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka impress

Emi Buendia struck a late winner as Aston Villa closed Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League.

It had looked like the game would end honours even, however deep into injury time Buendia scored to break Arsenal hearts.

Villa are now just three points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, whose 18-match unbeaten run is over.

Standard Sport’s Simon Collings was at Villa Park rate the Arsenal players...

David Raya 7

Made brilliant saves in either half to deny Ollie Watkins. Even made some at the death, before Buendia finally beat him.

Ben White 6

Started back-to-back games for the first time this season. Struggled defensively at times with Morgan Rogers, but going forward he linked up well with Bukayo Saka.

Jurrien Timber 7

Moved from right-back to centre-back due to Arsenal’s injury issues. Put in a solid performance, given the circumstances.

Piero Hincapie 7

Made a couple of vital blocks and got better as the game wore on. Looked flat on his feet at the end.

Riccardo Calafiori 6

Much of Arsenal’s play went down the left and so the Italian was pretty quiet going forward. Booked and will now miss the Wolves game next week.

Martin Odegaard 7

Looks like he is starting to find his rhythm after injury issues this season. Combined well with Saka and had a hand in Trossard’s goal.

Martin Zubimendi 6

This match was far more open than Arsenal matches usually are and the Spaniard could not dictate the game. Put himself about defensively, though.

Declan Rice 7

Passed fit and showed why is so important to Arsenal with the part he played in Trossard’s goal. Won the ball that started the move.

Bukayo Saka 7

Arsenal’s best attacker, even during a poor first half. Caused Villa plenty of problems and set up Trossard’s goal.

Mikel Merino 5

Picked to lead the line again, but just could not get into the game. Taken off at the break for Viktor Gyokeres.

Eberechi Eze 4

Had a goal ruled out for offside, but was otherwise anonymous. Caught napping at the back post for Cash’s goal and hooked at half-time.

Subs

Leandro Trossard (Eze 46’) 7

Off the bench and on the scoresheet within seven minutes. One of Arsenal’s best players this season.

Viktor Gyokeres (Merino 46’) 6

Overlooked for Merino, but on at the break. Gave Arsenal a threat in behind, but was fairly quiet.

Noni Madueke (Saka 79’) N/A

Gabriel Martinelli (Calafiori 86’) N/A

Myles Lewis-Skelly (Trossard 86’) N/A

Subs not used: Kepa, Salmon, Norgaard, Nwaneri