Aston Villa vs Arsenal

Arsenal player ratings vs Aston Villa: Jorginho stars & Gabriel Martinelli proves a second-half game changer in stunning Gunners win

Charles Watts
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Gabriel Martinelli Jorginho Arsenal 2022-23
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The Gunners scored two crucial late goals to beat Aston Villa 4-2 and move three points clear of Manchester City in the Premier League title race.

Arsenal twice fought back from a goal behind to seal a stunning 4-2 win at Aston Villa to move three points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta's side looked set to drop more points in the title race until an incredible stoppage-time strike from Jorginho crashed against the underside of the bar and deflected in off the back of Emiliano Martinez to put them 3-2 in front.

Then, just minutes later, with Martinez up for a corner, Arsenal broke quickly and Fabio Vieira released Gabriel Martinelli who scored into an empty net.

It was an incredible ending to a remarkable contest that twice saw Arsenal fall behind, but goals from Bukayo Saka and Oleksandr Zinchenko cancelled out strikes from Ollie Watkins and Philippe Coutinho and set the visitors on their way to a crucial victory in the title race.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Villa Park...

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence
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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Aaron Ramsdale (7/10):

    Could do little with either goal. Made a wonderful save to deny Leon Bailey late on.

    Ben White (7/10):

    Back in the side but still not his usual self. Got caught out for Villa's second goal. Did play a part in Arsenal's first equaliser, though, and improved after the break.

    William Saliba (6/10):

    Should have engaged Watkins far earlier for the opening goal. Backed off and was punished.

    Gabriel Magalhaes (6/10):

    Looked nervy at times, especially in possession.

    Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10):

    Really struggled in the first half. Gave away the ball for the early goal and that set the tone. Much better after half-time. Great goal to make it 2-2.

  2. Midfield
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    Midfield

    Jorginho (8/10):

    Moved the ball well when in possession. Impressive performance and his wonderful effort led to the third goal.

    Granit Xhaka (6/10):

    Not the player he was during the first half of the season.

    Martin Odegaard (6/10):

    Couldn't get into the game at all in the first half, was much more of a threat after the interval. Had some lovely touches, but missed an absolute sitter to make it 3-2.

  4. Attack
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    Attack

    Bukayo Saka (7/10):

    Arsenal's main threat as always. Took his goal so well. Was clearly hampered by injury for much of the game.

    Eddie Nketiah (4/10):

    Confidence has clearly taken a hit. Touch was poor and missed a great chance to make it 3-2.

    Leandro Trossard (4/10):

    First league start, but made no impact. Villa dealt with him comfortably.

  5. Subs & Manager
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    Subs & Manager

    Gabriel Martinelli (7/10):

    Made a huge difference. Was direct and caused Villa real problems. Deserved his goal.

    Takehiro Tomiyasu (5/10):

    Gave some fresh legs down the right.

    Fabio Vieira (6/10):

    Lovely assist for Martinelli's goal

    Kieran Tierney (N/A):

    Only on for the last minute.

    Rob Holding (N/A):

    Only on for the last minute.

    Mikel Arteta (7/10):

    His half-time team talk clearly had a big impact, as did his decision to replace Trossard with Martinelli.