GABRIEL JESUS struck his third goal in five games to maintain Arsenal’s 100 per cent start to the campaign.
But on a night where Gunners fans will be wondering how they didn’t score five, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard proved their worth with excellent performances.
Odegaard dazzled both in attack and defence, working tirelessly to win the ball back in his own half on multiple occasions.
With Saka there was a buzz around the Emirates every time he picked up the ball, and his performance didn’t show that he hasn’t scored in any of the fives games yet this season.
The 20-year-old capped his performance with a delicious cross for Gabriel Martinelli’s second half strike, just days after he hinted that he was keen on a new Arsenal contract.
In the end it goals from Jesus and Martinelli settled it, and maintained a two-point cushion for Mikel Arteta’s side at the top of the Premier League.
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Here’s how SunSport’s Giacomo Pisa rated the Gunners tonight.
Aaron Ramsdale – 5
Largely a passenger, but should have done far better to punch Douglas Luiz’s corner, which found the back of the net, away.
On the ball the stopper was good, playing out quickly with his hands and his feet as he tried to launch attacks at pace.
Sprang into action to tip a rasping effort from Leon Bailey over the bar with 18 minutes remaining.
Ben White – 6
Looked comfortable at right-back once again.
Dealt with Ollie Watkins well when he tried to pull out into the channels, and played a few neat passes forward into the attackers.
Replaced with just over an hour on the clock.
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William Saliba – 6
Barely tested but when Watkins did try to rough him up and back into him, the young centre-back came through with flying colours.
A performance still worthy enough of more chants of his name to the incredibly catchy ‘Tequila’ from the stands.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 6
A nervy opening for Saturday’s match winner. Misjudged a long ball forward from Emiliano Martinez completely that saw Villa pounce.
Then mis-kicked the resulting cross too, but was lucky to see Emiliano Buendia blaze over from 14 yards.
Settled into the game well though, and was unlucky not to score for a second straight game when his low drive was deflected narrowly wide of the post.
Kieran Tierney – 6
The Scottish ace struggled to really make an impact going forward.
Typically reliable in defence though, and someone Arteta can count on to deliver the same performance week in, week out.
Albert Sambi Lokonga – 6
A first start of the season for Albert Sambi Lokonga. And you could tell he was nervous.
But the Belgian midfielder settled down, and would have been thankful that he was not at all tested by Villa’s midfield three of John McGinn, Boubacar Kamara, or Jacob Ramsey.
Granit Xhaka – 6
Managed to win the midfield battle without really doing all that much.
A typically workmanlike performance from the former skipper, who mopped up well and made sure he was first to all the second balls.
Martin Odegaard – 8
More flashes of brilliance from the Arsenal skipper, who had chances to both score and assist.
Gabriel Jesus should have scored when played through by the captain, before Odegaard himself was denied later on by two excellent Villa blocks.
Tracking back was immense too, dispossessing the dangerous Buendia on more than one occasion when the Villa man threatened.
Was the last man out on the pitch applauding the Arsenal fans after full time.
Bukayo Saka – 8
Had 60,000 people on their feet with an incredible run from the halfway line into the box past three Villa players while his shirt was being tugged, which he was unlucky not to earn a penalty for.
And Arsenal fans will be hoping that they will be treated to dazzling runs like that for years to come after the 20-year-old hinted that he is ready to sign a new contract.
Has to be downgraded slightly for missing an absolute sitter with 23 minutes on the clock, blazing high and wide from four yards out with the goal at his mercy.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7
Perhaps not as lively as his fellow frontmen.
Was unlucky not to score on the stroke of half time when seeing a glorious half volley that was destined for the top corner tipped over by Martinez.
Got on the scoresheet in the second half, popping up at the back stick to restore Arsenal’s lead.
Gabriel Jesus – 7
Could have opened the scoring on 10 minutes when he caught Villa out from a quick Odegaard free-kick, but fired an effort straight at Martinez.
Showed his killer instinct to pounce on Martinez’s error and slam home the opener on the half hour mark
Substitutes
Takehiro Tomiyasu (on for White, 64 mins) – 5
Didn’t do much when he came on, but didn’t have anything to do either.
White’s starting spot for Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford not under threat.
Emile Smith Rowe – (on for Odegaard, 81 mins) – 5
The 22-year-old can’t get into the starting side now, and a nine minute cameo won’t change that.
His chance will come though, especially when the Europa League gets underway and the games start to come thick and fast.
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Rob Holding – (on for Saka, 87 mins) – NA
Eddie Nketiah – (on for Jesus, 87 mins) – NA
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
