Arsenal player ratings vs Aston Villa: Partey scores in 3-1 win

Arsenal obliterated Aston Villa on Friday as goals from Thomas Partey, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Emile Smith Rowe secured a brilliant 3-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta finds himself under stinging criticism from large sections of the fanbase after a woeful performance in the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on Monday, issues he sought to rectify against Dean Smith’s men.

One of the changes to the team was enforced as Kieran Tierney missed out with a bruised ankle, an alteration that saw Nuno Tavares come in for his full Premier League debut.

Alexandre Lacazette was rewarded for his goalscoring contribution last time out by replacing Martin Odegaard in the lineup, which saw Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang play through the middle with the Frenchman acting almost as second striker.

Arsenal player ratings vs Aston Villa with Thomas Partey scoring his first goal as Mikel Arteta’s secure thumping 3-1 win

Arsenal started the game in magnificent fashion, racking up their highest first half total xG since at least the start of the 2017/18 season with efforts aplenty at the Villa goal. Thomas Partey came within a lick of paint from opening the scoring, only to grab his maiden goal for the club with a beautifully guided shot with his shoulder.

A pulsating home performance should have warranted more goals, which came in the dying seconds as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored from his own rebound after Emi Martinez saved his penalty.

Villa changed their shape after the break but there was nothing they could do to stop a brilliantly fluid and energetic Arsenal, who extended their lead to 3-0 when Emile Smith Rowe fired in off the post via a defender’s foot.

There would be no clean sheet for Ramsdale though, as Jacob Ramsey’s outstanding effort from outside of the box flew into the top corner with the goalkeeper stranded. It was too little too late for the Villans though, who were deservedly beaten by an unimaginably improved Arsenal.

Arsenal Goalkeeper & Defenders Ratings

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – 8/10 – Some delightful throws, hoofs, and kicks were on show for Ramsdale. His kicking is unbelievably improved on Bernd Leno’s. Frighteningly so.

When he had to be called into action, he did so brilliantly.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (RB) – 7/10 – In possession there are some weaknesses in Tomiyasu as sometimes his passing and dribbling is limited, however, he is a fine defender and made some superb recovery runs as well as being a monster in the air.

Ben White (CB) – 9/10 – Excellent outing for White, who is the coolest head in north London whenever he plays. There is an almost arrogance about the way he struts across the pitch and the biggest credit you can give him is that he makes defending look easy. Some vital blocks and interceptions in the second half.

He was outstanding.

Gabriel (CB) – 8/10 – Another top performance from the Brazilian who keeps his impressive run going. Strong in the air and silky in possession.

Nuno Tavares (LB) – 8/10 – Kieran Tierney wasn’t missed. Above all compliments, that’s one of the biggest ones you can give. He ran that left touchline and pressed relentlessly. Outstanding full debut from him.

Continued…

Midfielders

Bukayo Saka (RM) – 7/10 – Kept the width on the right really well but will rightly feel he should have put Arsenal two goals up when he had the time to take a touch and set himself following a delightful ball through from Tavares.

Was far from the star of the show but gave Tyrone Mings a really tough evening.

Thomas Partey (CM) – 8/10 – HE SCORED A GOAL!! Worthy of all the capitals there are, the duck is finally broken having come so close to breaking it just moments before.

While there was some minor sloppiness on the ball, Partey was brilliant in shielding the back four and made a host of fine tackles in the centre of the pitch. Looks so much better with a partner.

Albert Sambi Lokonga (CM) – 8/10 – Silky, classy and the perfect partner to Partey on a night where all Sambi really had to do was mop up and feed the other attacking players in front.

Energetic and progressive both distributive and with the ball at feet.

Emile Smith Rowe (LM) – 9/10 – Worked brilliantly with Tavares down the left hand side who constantly provided the width he needed to work infield and their combination play was impressive given their limited playing time together. Counter pressed magnificently and while the goal was fortunate, boy did he deserve it.

He ran enough for two players on Friday. Best player on the pitch.

Continued…

Forwards

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST) – 7/10 – Wasn’t as involved with the entire Arsenal team combining in the right areas on the night, and when the moment came for him he stepped up (at the second attempt).

Another battling performance where he chased every loose ball and pressed every man in possession. His pass for Smith Rowe was another nail in the ‘Aubameyang can’t link play’ coffin.

Alexandre Lacazette (ST) – 8/10 – Some of his one-touch combination play was out of this world. Given he’s barely featured at all this season it was supremely committed. Worked his socks off in a No. 10 slot before his withdrawal.

Hats off to him. It’s never easy feeling like an outcast.

Continued…

Substitutes

Martin Odegaard – 6/10 – Couple of loose passes when he came on as Arsenal tried to tidy up and keep things tight in the closing stages. He should be looking at Lacazette today and thinking about what he’s been missing in the previous two outings.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 6/10 – Came on and committed a few neat tactical fouls. Did his job.

Gabriel Martinelli – N/A – Barely touched the ball.

Subs not used: Bernd Leno, Sead Kolasinac, Rob Holding, Cedric Soares, Nicolas Pepe, Mohamed Elneny