Aston Villa player ratings after blockbuster Premier League win against Arsenal

Villa picked up a deserved 2-1 to shock the league leaders at the death

Aston Villa laid down a marker against Premier League leaders Arsenal thanks to a last-gasp winner from substitute Emi Buendía.

Villa managed a big response after the equaliser. If you concede a goal against Arsenal this season, you’re facing one hell of an uphill battle to win the game. There were chances for Villa in the last quarter of the match and they made them pay.

Arsenal don’t just give Premier League goals away for the fun of it but an insane goal-mouth scramble won it for Villa.

I thought the game was poorly refereed by Peter Bankes, especially in the first half, and the number of soft free kicks that went Arsenal’s way was clearly a big source of frustration for the supporters at Villa Park.

Here are the ratings:

Emiliano Martínez - 9

Made the first straightforward save of the game from Martin Ødegaard and saved well from Bukayo Saka inside the first quarter of an hour. Excellent reach to tip over from Ødegaard with 20 minutes left.

Matty Cash - 7

Aggressive in the tackle on the right and willing to give the ball and get his skates on but much of the game was played on Villa’s left. Poor delivery from his first corner of the day. Goal-bound shot blocked by Declan Rice with nearly half an hour played but slid in to score and put Villa in front with ten minutes left in the first half.

Ezri Konsa - 8

A cool customer no matter what and combative when needed. Important clearing header early in the second half. Very sharp defending in the second half with Arsenal forcing the issue from Rice’s knock-down. Overall, Mikel Merino and then Viktor Gyökeres got no joy out of him.

Pau Torres - 8

Composed in possession and passed well, which became a particularly useful factor in the second half. Defended brilliantly against Saka early on. Whipped in the cross that found Cash via a deflection to make it 1-0.

Ian Maatsen - 8

Able to stride forward into space on the left with little resistance from Saka. Defended very smartly against him to thwart Arsenal in the middle of the first half and again just before half time to clear a cross to the back post.

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Amadou Onana - 7

A crucial presence in midfield but outsmarted by Declan Rice ahead of the Arsenal equaliser. Substituted with quarter of an hour to go.

Boubacar Kamara - 8

Joined the Villa press, especially putting pressure on Riccardo Calafiori on Villa’s right, and also dropped right into the back line when required. Brilliant play around the edge of the Arsenal box 15 minutes into the second half, crucial in keeping them under pressure. Positioned well to keep Saka’s shot out in the 70th minute.

Youri Tielemans - 8

Operated as Villa’s number 10 with Onana and Kamara both in the side but contributed defensively both from the front and in Villa’s half. Hounded David Raya on the press, bodied Calafiori to keep the pressure on and Arsenal struggled with his movement.

John McGinn - 7

Frequently drifted in-field to keep Villa on the move with his passing and his tenacity came to the party too. Caught out by Rice while trying to shield the ball late in the first half. Superb pass into the channel for Cash just before the hour. Substituted with quarter of an hour to go.

Morgan Rogers - 8

Ambitious on the ball early on but the risks he took tended to work in Arsenal’s favour. Defended really well at times. Incredible touch, turn and pass to release Ollie Watkins in the first half. Superb run on the stroke of half time nearly created a second goal and provided some lovely passing on the break.

Moved to the right after McGinn went off and looked to make something happen in the channel.

Ollie Watkins - 7

Always on the move in attacking areas and diligent in his defensive work at the other end when necessary. Did superbly to create a chance for himself in the tenth minute and forced a good save from Raya.

Villa needed a bit more from him in terms of hold-up play early in the second half. He needed more from Villa when it came to supporting him on the break. Forced Raya into another save just before he was substituted.

Substitutes

Donyell Malen (for Watkins, 66) - Came on to face his old club. Got involved on the break but unable to get himself in the clear until the 78th minute, when he dragged a shot just wide after a Calafiori error. 7

Jadon Sancho (for McGinn, 75) - Came on. Ran at players. Caused problems for Arsenal. 6

Lamare Bogarde (for Onana, 75) - Slotted straight into the centre of midfield and settled quickly in a high-pressure game. 6

Emi Buendía (for Cash, 86) - Late substitute and won the game with a 95th-minute goal. N/A

Victor Lindelöf (for Torres, 86) - Late substitute. N/A