Just like on the opening game of the season Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal came out 2-0 victors over their opponents who this time around were Aston Villa. Managed by former Gunners boss Unai Emery the game was tight and cagey especially in the first 45 minutes, with either team finding it hard to break each other down.
Then in the second half David Raya pulled off a wonderful save to deny Ollie Watkins a certain goal after the ball rebounded off the crossbar and the keeper looked all but beat before sailing to his left to claw away any threat.
Aston Villa went on to pay for this miss however, as in the 67th minute substitute Leandro Trossard scored with a fine finish into the bottom right corner before Thomas Partey doubled his side’s lead not too long after.
The win ensures Arsenal have maintained their perfect start to the season, and they will be looking to make it three out of three next weekend but here are the player rationing for Saturday nights game against Villa.
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Arsenal player ratings
David Raya – 9
Made a crucial save to keep Arsenal level before they went on to score themselves, was calm as always when on the ball and commanded his box well throughout the game. Turning into such a key player for Arteta.
Benjamin White – 7
Didn’t offer too much going forward but did what he needed to do defensively and played his normal game while making little to no mistakes.
William Saliba – 8
Was up against Watkins most of the game and for large parts dealt well with the England striker, will be thanking his goalkeeper for bailing him out with an amazing save however. Also made a tremendous tackle on Jacob Ramsey at the end to keep the clean sheet.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7
Had a moment in the first half where he allowed Leon Bailey to pinch the ball away from him but the chance was eventually missed. Did well after that and was commanding along with his centre-back partner.
Jurrien Timber – 7
First competitive start in over a year and he didn’t look like he missed a minute, was very comfortable moving into midfield and would find himself on the other side on occasion just dictating play. Will be a great option for Arteta this season that he was unable to use last year, good first game back.
Martin Odegaard – 8
The Norwegian was quiet but effective in everything he did, controlled the game for his team and was at the forefront of everything they did going forward. Played a great ball inside for the opening goal before nearly capping it off with his own before the end.
Thomas Partey – 7
Was tasked with playing in front of the back four today and was better than last week against Wolves although not perfect. Did get his name on the scoresheet however, which all but sealed the game for his side, staying fit is his priority right now along with keeping up his performances.
Declan Rice – 6
Like against Wolves, it was a quiet Declan Rice today someone who looks a little burnt out but gave his all nevertheless. May be moved back to a move defensive role once Mikel Merino joins or be given the chance of some rest at times.
Bukayo Saka – 8
Continued his starlet performance against Wolves last weekend with another solid one today grabbing the assist for the second goal. Nearly found the net himself in the first half if it wasn’t for a great save but Emi Martinez.
Kai Havertz – 6
In what was a tight game Havertz wasn’t afforded much space to get on the ball and create but looked best on the counter when linking up play, apart from that a quiet game.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6
Didn’t offer much in the 65 minutes he played before being replaced by Trossard who scored. Seems to lack the confidence to go at his player and beat him right now and his place might be under threat next week as a result.
Substitutes
Leandro Trossard – 7
Scored with his first touch of the ball and also played a part in the second goal, such a good asset off the bench who will now be on the manager’s door asking to start, a massive player for the Gunners.
Riccardo Calafiori – 6
Came on with 10 minutes to play as Timber was going to struggle to complete the full 90 but looked calm on the ball down the left-hand side as the game slowed down towards the end.
Reiss Nelson – 6
Came on with two minutes to go to give Saka a rest and to run down the clock, but was unable to get on the ball much at all in the closing stages.
