Arsenal player ratings vs Aston Villa: Leandro Trossard finding form but Thomas Partey sloppiness costly
Arsenal’s title hopes were dealt a blow after they drew at home to Aston Villa.
The Gunners had looked on course for all three points after goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz put them 2-0 up.
Villa, however, scored twice in the space of eight second-half minutes as Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins found the net.
The draw means Arsenal are now six points off Premier League leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand as well.
Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal in action...
David Raya 6
Made a good save from Ian Maatsen in the first-half. Had little to do after that and could not do much about either goal.
Didn't cover himself in glory for either of Villa’s goal, but especially their second. Let Ollie Watkins get free inside the box to make it 2-2. Sloppy.
Jurrien Timber 7
Forced to fill in at centre-back in the absence of the injured William Saliba. Was solid overall, but Arsenal missed having him at full-back.
Gabriel 7
Made a couple of vital blocks and tackles in the first-half. Villa nullified his threat from set-pieces, though.
Myles Lewis-Skelly 8
Yet another great performance from the 18-year-old, who looks so comfortable at this level. Had a good battle with Morgan Rogers - and came out on top.
Martin Odegaard 6
Looks much fresher and over the illness that impacted him at the start of this month. Needs to increase his output in terms of goals and assists.
Declan Rice 8
Moved to the base of midfield after five appearances in a row as a No8. Was everywhere and like a man possessed at times.
Mikel Merino 6
Will be disappointed that Tielemans nipped in front of him for his goal. Heartbreak for him late on as he had a goal ruled out and then hit the post.
Gabriel Martinelli 7
Put Arsenal ahead in the first-half and was excellent in the opening 45 minutes. Forced Villa to hook Maatsen at the break. Lucas Digne dealt better with him.
Kai Havertz 7
Back in the goals after a difficult 10 days or so. Unfortunate that Merino’s late strike was ruled out as it hit his hand.
Set up both of Arsenal’s goals and put in a good performance. Scored against Spurs on Wednesday, too, and looks to be finding some form.
Substitutions
Raheem Sterling (Martinelli 82’) N/A
Subs not used: Neto, Kiwior, Kacurri, Tierney, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Kabia, Butler-Oyedeji
