Arsenal suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa after Emi Buendia’s 94th-minute winner, with Eberechi Eze rated 4/10 in a nightmare first-half performance
Arsenal’s title charge took a massive dent as Aston Villa scored in the 94th minute to claim all three points. The Gunners had got themselves back into the game after conceding first, but Emi Buendia sent Villa Park into a frenzy with a stunning winner.
Eberechi Eze managed to find the back of the net early on, but Bukayo Saka’s run before his cross was too soon, resulting in an offside flag. Matty Cash the opened the scoring for the hosts with a low strike after some poor defending allowed the ball to fall to him at the far post.
Mikel Arteta made some key changes at half-time, and the impact was immediate as Leandro Trossard scored after Saka’s initial shot was deflected. Arsenal then had to withstand intense pressure from the home side, before they ultimately succumbed.
It leaves Villa just three points behind the Gunners and opens the door for their title rivals to pile the pressure back on.
Here’s how the Mirror’s sister site football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players:.
READ MORE: Gabriel Jesus and Max Dowman absences explained as Arsenal duo left out vs Aston VillaREAD MORE: Aston Villa send title message with last-gasp winner over Arsenal – 5 talking points
Arsenal player ratings
David Raya 8 – Made another one-on-one save against Ollie Watkins early in the game after the striker had outpaced both centre-backs. He was beaten by Cash’s low strike through his legs. He made a crucial save in the second half following the equaliser, with Ollie Watkins’ left boot finding the diving Spaniard. In the end, he could do little as he found himself scrambling before the ball fell to Bunedia.
Ben White 7 – Should have tested Emi Martinez more with a first-time shot set up by Bukayo Saka. He was a constant presence down the right supporting Saka and could have seen a couple of his chances created lead to more.
Jurrien Timber 7 – His flicked header found Cash at the back post. The Dutchman’s aggressive coverage of the pitch was notable.
Piero Hincapie 7 – Despite some chaotic moments, he displayed the necessary aggressiveness and grew into the game. However, the absence of William Salibam, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Cristhian Mosquera was palpable.
Riccardo Calafiori 8 – His excellent interceptions and tackles disrupted several Villa attacks early on. Known for his attacking prowess, he also displayed his defensive abilities, despite one near-disastrous touch that could have gifted Donyell Malen a goal.
Martin Zubimendi 7 – His ability to win aerial duels despite his height was evident in this game; he battled for every ball.
Declan Rice 7 – Made a crucial block to deny Cash a first-half goal and brilliantly won the ball off Amadou Onana in the build-up to the equaliser.
Martin Odegaard 7 – Had an early shot from outside the box saved by Emi Martinez. His pass to Saka after a forward drive set up the first Arsenal goal. Had another long-range effort was tipped over by Emi Martinez.
Bukayo Saka 7 – He had a shot from outside the box well saved by Martinez and did well to create a chance for Ben White, beating his man. He managed to get in behind again and find a shot which deflected to Trossard who made no mistake.
Mikel Merino 5 – He couldn’t find the pass to Bukayo Saka at a crucial moment in the first half, overhit and the chance went away. He was taken off at the break having done rather little.
Eberechi Eze 4 – He thought he’d scored in the first half, but Saka was offside in the build-up. He was effectively invisible in the first half and was nowhere to be seen at the back post for Cash’s goal and was hauled off at the break.
Substitutes:.
Leandro Trossard 8 – He had a couple of immediate moments after coming off the bench, the most notable a volley which was fired wide of the right post from the left. The Belgian found the net soon after however after Saka’s shot rebounded to him.
Viktor Gyokeres 6 – He added the energy and the stretch that the Gunners needed for the second half. Yet he again had very little to feed on in terms of chances.
Noni Madueke 5 – He replaced Bukayo Saka, who had been booked and on thin ice. He had very little in the way of opportunities after coming on.
Gabriel Martinelli N/A – He replaced Trossard who had only returned recently and clearly was spent despite his small stint.
Myles Lewis-Skelly N/A – Stepping in for the now suspended Riccardo Calafiori who received his fifth booking.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
