Home Football Arsenal 0 – 2 Aston Villa: Rating Arsenal Players – Martin Odegaard On Top, William Saliba Bitterly Disappointed

Arsenal 0 – 2 Aston Villa: Rating Arsenal Players – Martin Odegaard On Top, William Saliba Bitterly Disappointed

Football — 04/15/2024

The weekend’s outcome could have been a turning point in the title race as Mikel Arteta’s team missed a chance to move two points ahead of Manchester City in the Premier League standings. Their hopes were dashed by Aston Villa in a 2-0 defeat. 

In the 83rd minute, Leon Bailey struck a precise shot into the bottom left corner of the net following a powerful cross from Lucas Digne that eluded Arsenal’s defense. Shortly after, Ollie Watkins added to the lead with a remarkable breakaway goal, delicately chipping the ball over David Raya. Aston Villa had earlier come close to scoring when Youri Tielemans struck the crossbar with a long-range effort in the second half.

Mikel Arteta cut an anguished figure on the touchline after his side failed to secure victory

Following Tottenham’s 4-0 defeat to Newcastle on Saturday afternoon, Aston Villa further solidified their position for a Champions League spot next season by moving three points ahead of Tottenham in fourth place.

Isaan Khan of Mail Sports has provided player ratings as Arsenal faltered in their pursuit of the title.

ARSENAL (4-3-3)

DAVID RAYA – 6

Both Ollie Watkins and Youri Tielemans struck the goalframe in two chances. Wasn’t helped by his defense here.

BEN WHITE – 6.5

Great defending to hold off Watkins on a counter-attack after 21 minutes.

WILLIAM SALIBA – 5.5

Left Leon Bailey free at the back post and the midfielder scored. Positioning was questionable for the second goal. Will be bitterly disappointed.

GABRIEL – 6

Made the mistake which allowed Watkins to hit a post.

OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO – 5.5

Some good link-up play but his lax attempt to dribble out of danger saw Tielemans centimetres from scoring.

MARTIN ODEGAARD – 8.5

Pulled the strings in midfield. Got stuck in with tackling, too. Arsenal’s best player.

Martin Odegaard throws his hadns up in the air in frustration after his side suffered defeat

DECLAN RICE – 6

Important off the ball with his runs and positioning, and effective in pressing. But needed to have done more on the ball in attacking third.

KAI HAVERTZ – 6

Some good movement, cleverly darting through the backline from deep, but lacked that finishing. This badly hampered Arsenal at times.

Declan Rice battles with Rogers, with the two going head-to-head in midfield all game

BUKAYO SAKA – 6.5

Sprightly and caused numerous problems in the first but dropped off in the second period.

Bukayo Saka failed to have a huge impact on the match but did have a couple of chances

GABRIEL JESUS – 6

Had a good-headed chance in first which went wide and a chance after 62 minutes was saved.

LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6

Isolated on the left wing so could not bring his finishing, which is usually good, into play.

Substitutes 

GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6

Didn’t get many chances on the ball.

TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU – 6.5

Made tackles when required.