Arsenal player ratings vs Aston Villa: Watkins sinks Gunners

Arsenal Forwards Ratings

Bukayo Saka (RW) – 6/10 – Tough afternoon for Saka who was forced to help out Bellerin with the threat of Grealish, and was also subject to a few meaty challenges for his troubles.

Moved into left-back later on in proceedings and was a major threat with Pepe down that flank.

Alexandre Lacazette (ST) – 5/10 – As the lynchpin to link the lines in forward areas, Lacazette tried to produce a few Olivier Giroud-esque flicks that didn’t quite meet their targets. He battled as per usual, yet his some of hold-up play was lacking on the day.

There was a moment in the first half where his decision making let him down, as he attempted to find Saka down the left and had his pass intercepted, when Pepe had made a flying run to his left. That was a big missed opportunity.

Nicolas Pepe (LW) – 5/10 – Matty Cash continued doing what he had done all season: defended well. He had Pepe under wraps down the left flank and stood strong to any pieces of skill, even if that dominance waned in the second period.

Getting himself into dangerous positions, his final ball was lacking and so too was his finishing. That left side was there for the taking.