Arsenal player ratings vs Aston Villa: David Raya's stunner and midfielder's vastly improved display

Arsenal continued their perfect start to the season by beating Aston Villa.

In a tight game, David Raya made a brilliant save to deny Ollie Watkins when it was 0-0 and the hosts were punished for that.

Substitute Leandro Trossard opened the scoring in the 67th minute and moments later, Thomas Partey added another.

The victory means Arsenal have won both of their opening games of the season, with their next match against Brighton at home on Saturday.

Simon Collings was at Villa Park to see Arsenal in action...

David Raya 9 | Star player

Made a stunning save early in the second-half when Ollie Watkins looked certain to score. Was excellent all game and commanded his area well.

Ben White 7

Steady performance from the right-back. Involved in one flashpoint where he smashed the ball into John McGinn.

William Saliba 7

Had a good battle with Watkins and largely came out on top, thanks in part to Lady Luck and Raya. Made a great tackle late on to deny Jacob Ramsey.

Gabriel 7

Almost caught out in the first-half when Leon Bailey stole the ball off him, but Watkins missed a glorious chance. Recovered after that, though.

Jurrien Timber 7

Made his first competitive start in over a year and put in a solid performance. Flicked between tucking into midfield and playing wide.

Martin Odegaard 8

Quietly had a very good game. At the heart of a lot of Arsenal’s best play and produced a great pass to start the move for Trossard’s goal. Missed a glorious chance to make it 3-0.

Thomas Partey 7

Much better than he was last week against Wolves, particularly in possession. Got on the scoresheet as Emi Martinez failed to keep his strike from the edge of the box out.

Declan Rice 6

A pretty subdued performance from the midfielder, who wasn’t involved in much of the action. Could well drop to a deeper role when Mikel Merino joins.

Bukayo Saka 8

Came up trumps when it mattered most. So nearly scored with a great effort in the first-half, but Martinez made a top save. Helped create Trossard’s goal with a cut-back and then set up Partey’s.

Kai Havertz 6

Didn’t have many chances in what was a tight game. The odd nice moment where he linked play well on the counter.

Gabriel Martinelli 5

Struggled to get into the game and was hooked with about 25 minutes to go. Place must be under threat for next week.

Substitutions

Leandro Trossard (Martinelli 65’) 7

Off the bench and scored with his very first touch. Surely one of Arsenal’s best signings ever?

Riccardo Calafiori (Timber 79’) N/A

Reiss Nelson (Saka 88’) N/A

Subs not used: Ramsdale, Zinchenko, Kiwior, Jorginho, Nelson, Nwaneri, Nketiah