Arsenal Player Ratings

Arsenal Vs Aston Villa: Player Ratings

by Josh Sippie

Arsenal faced up Aston Villa eyeing the top of the table and they took care of business to the tune of 2-0. Here are your player ratings for the match.

It was a bit of a sloppy match as Arsenal continued to give the ball away recklessly, but the end result is a win and three points. That puts Arsenal top of the table. If they can win sloppy like this, I cannot wait to see what happens when they get their act together.

Related: Arsenal v Aston Villa: Full Match Highlights And Videos

PETR CECH

GK, Arsenal FC

7.4

Set the theme of the night. Effective, but needlessly nervy at times. Twice he nearly gifted Villa a premium opportunity but they were never able to capitalize. It’s a clean sheet. That’s what matters. And a record one at that.

HECTOR BELLERIN

RB, Arsenal FC

7.3

Decent. He took care of business and that is really all you can ask of a defender. Was not as threatening going forward although he did make a few good runs.

PER MERTESACKER

CB, Arsenal FC

6.9

Shaky again at times. He makes things very nervy when he sits on the ball with Villa men coming at him. Still think that Gabriel would be more effective here, but Wenger isn’t asking me.

LAURENT KOSCIELNY

CB, Arsenal FC

7.0

Not the best day from Koscielny either. Gave the ball away far too much for a centerback. Got forward on the attack rather effectively, but even then, gave the ball away. Would much rather prefer a regular defensive day from Koscielny than the added benefit of him going forward.

NACHO MONREAL

LB, Arsenal FC

7.9

Made some clutch interceptions. Monreal is a very strong defender with fantastic instincts. Narrowly missed man of the match. Monreal was the only Arsenal defender that did not have a a nervy performance. Then again, when is the last time he had a nervy performance?

MATHIEU FLAMINI

MID, Arsenal FC

7.5

Quietly effective. Cleaned up a lot of Arsenal’s self-made messes and was never really exposed himself. A good, quality performance for the Frenchman.

AARON RAMSEY

MID, Arsenal FC

7.9

MAN OF THE MATCH. Absolutely outstanding effort during the counterattack that led up to his goal. Although to be fair, not even Welbeck could have flubbed that open net. Overcame a few giveaways to be Arsenal’s most threatening offensive weapon as well as being a solid force on the defense as well. It truly is remarkable the difference between him playing in the center and him playing out wide. To the last minute he was rampaging about the pitch.

THEO WALCOTT

MID, Arsenal FC

7.5

Earned the penalty that led to the first goal and sent a beautiful pass that led to Ramsey’s goal. Looked very good throughout, tracking back well on defense and making himself useful throughout the pitch up until he was subbed off. Can we please think about making him primarily a winger again?

MESUT OZIL

MID, Arsenal FC

7.7

Not at his best by any means, but he did get the assist that set up Ramsey. Incredibly unselfish in that regard. Did give the ball away a bit and some of his creativity did not come off as he would have expected. Was actually subbed off in the 85′ for Calum Chambers. But a substandard day from what we are used to is still a good day.

JOEL CAMPBELL

MID, Arsenal FC

6.4

The first bad game we have seen from Campbell. Never looked a threat. Had a few decent chances out wide but was never able to really mesh with the flow of the game. Wastefully gave the ball away, like the rest of the team.

OLIVIER GIROUD

ST, Arsenal FC

7.6

Coolly put home the penalty. Let’s not take that for granted. Was as effective as always in the middle. Did not receive the same service that he normally does. Credit some of that to Villa’s defense but credit some to Arsenal’s overall sloppy play. Giroud got around on the pitch today. He was one of the least sloppy players out there.

ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN

MID, Arsenal FC

7.2

Came on in the 63′ for Walcott in a premium position to capitalize on Campbell’s first bad game. Had a few convincing runs and some decent attacks but was unable to really grasp the opportunity.

KIERAN GIBBS

LB, Arsenal FC

7.2

Came on in the 63′ for Campbell. Immediately got involved in the attack. Shifted to defensive duties when Arsenal as a team did.

CALUM CHAMBERS

RB, Arsenal FC

7.0

Came on for Ozil in the 85′. Made a run at the Villa goal, gave the ball away, then the whistle blew.