3 standout players from Arsenal's disappointing draw with Aston Villa

  • Gunners let two-goal lead slip to draw 2-2
  • Trossard starred again on the left
  • Rice and MLS were both solid
There were three players that shined amid a mixed team performance
There were three players that shined amid a mixed team performance | Alex Pantling/GettyImages
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2. Declan Rice

Declan Rice
Rice did well in the midfield | Marc Atkins/GettyImages

With Thomas Partey shifted to right-back, Declan Rice was tasked with a more defensive role in midfield against Villa but he sometimes had to do the jobs of Arsenal's entire engine room.

The England international was end-to-end as he helped out in attack and defence. He played a number of troubling crosses into the box from both open play and corners and also made a surging run down the left side in the build-up to Merino's disallowed goal.

Rice's defensive abilities also shined through as he battled well in the midfield to win five duels and two tackles. He completed five defensive actions overall and also managed a 93% pass accuracy. He was a real solid force for the Gunners throughout the game.

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