Arsenal dropped two points against Aston Villa in Saturday’s late kick-off (Image: Getty)
blew a two-goal lead and their title hopes took an almighty hit as fought their way to a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium.
Gabriel Martinelli and fired the Gunners into a comfortable lead after ‘s late victory over Brentford earlier in the day. But their prospects of catching the Reds are fading fast, with Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins scoring twice in eight second-half minutes to drag Villa level before Mikel Merino’s late strike was ruled out for a handball from .
Here, Express Sport takes you through how each player performed on the day…
Arsenal player ratings vs Aston Villa (4-3-3)
David Raya: 6
Sharp save to deny Ian Maatsen early on but twice picked the ball out of the back of his net.
Thomas Partey: 4
Awful throw-in went straight to Watkins, who should have punished him. Set up Mikel Merino with a brilliant through ball which went to waste, but completely lost his defensive bearings late in the game, and was at least partly to blame for both of Villa’s goals.
Jurrien Timber: 6
Not a bad display filling in for William Saliba at centre-back. Proved he will be a useful asset for Arteta in various positions.
Gabriel: 7
Didn’t do a whole lot wrong. Offered a threat from corners, made several important tackles and blocks on Watkins, and produced a great scooped through ball which Martinelli volleyed over.
Kai Havertz fired Arsenal into a two-goal lead before they were pegged back (Image: Getty)
Myles Lewis-Skelly: 7
Kept Morgan Rogers quiet and was a worthy physical match for the Villa man. Put a great low cross into the six-yard box which went unanswered, but did not get many chances to show what he is all about going forward.
Martin Odegaard: 5
Lacked influence when needed it most, and his deliveries into the box left a lot to be desired.
Declan Rice: 8
Produced a pinpoint cross for Martinelli which nearly resulted in a goal, and was active going forward early in the game. Went close with a superb effort from distance in the second half and did his best to create chances.
Mikel Merino: 5
Spurned a great opportunity by curling an effort well wide after being slid in by Partey. Got beaten by Youri Tielemans in the box for the goal which brought Villa back into the game. Nearly saved himself with a late strike which cannoned off Havertz and into the net, but the German was found guilty of a handball by VAR. Merino almost rescued his side again with a shot which was saved onto the post by Emi Martinez in stoppage time.
Gabriel Martinelli: 8 (Sterling, 82)
Terrorised Maatsen before the Villa man was hooked at half-time. Forced ‘s opening goal past Martinez.
: 7
Decent hold-up play and a respectable close-range finish in the 55th minute. Matty Cash’s cross sailed agonisingly over his head before Watkins’ equaliser. Handballed Merino’s shot into the net late on, with his celebrations being cut short by VAR.
Leandro Trossard: 7 (booked)
Has two assists to show for a good performance. Very direct, getting crosses and shots off. Great work to set up Martinelli in the first half and once again to lay a goal on for Havertz in the second. But missed a massive chance to win the game deep into stoppage time.
SUBS
Raheem Sterling: N/A (booked)
A late addition.