ARSENAL returned to the top of the Premier League table following a dramatic 4-2 win over Aston Villa.
Ollie Watkins gave Villa an early advantage before Bukayo Saka cancelled out his goal with a fantastic strike.
Out-of-form Philippe Coutinho then put his side back in front before Oleksandr Zinchenko levelled the score once again.
Just as it looked as though the Gunners would have to settle for a point, Jorginho unleashed a phenomenal strike which rattled the crossbar and deflected off Emi Martinez before flying into the back of the net to give his new team the lead in the dying minutes.
And super-sub Gabriel Martinelli sealed the three points with a solo effort just before the full-time whistle.
Following an unforgettable clash, SunSport’s Mark Irwin rates Arsenal’s performance.
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Aaron Ramsdale
Not his finest afternoon, he might have done better on Villa’s first goal and certainly should have done better for their second, when he dived in completely the wrong direction after being given the eyes by Coutinho. Brilliant late save from Bailey to salvage a point. 7
Ben White
Back in the starting line-up after being rested in midweek, he was fine going forward and provided the cross for Saka’s goal. But allowed Moreno to get in behind him when Arsenal fell behind again. 6
William Saliba
Word seems to have got around that he can be bullied by physical strikers and he was far too easily bypassed by Watkins for Villa’s early opener. But he stood up to the challenge after that. 6
Gabriel
No repeat of his midweek horror show against Manchester City but this still wasn’t the most convincing of displays from the Brazilian as Arsenal struggled to deal with Villa’s pace on the break. 6
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Oleksandr Zinchenko
Surrendered cheap possession in the build-up to Villa’s early opener but more than made up for that error when he struck with a low shot from the edge of the area for his first Arsenal goal. 6
Martin Odegaard
The Arsenal captain has lost his spark in recent weeks but came up with the assist for Zinchenko’s equaliser and his sublime through ball should have been finished off by Nketiah. But awful miss right in front of goal. 6
Jorginho
Continuing to deputise for the injured Thomas Partey, he was always probing for an opening in the congested midfield battle but doesn’t drive the team forward like his absent team-mate does.
That being said, he ultimately sealed the points for the Gunners with a fantastic strike late in the game. 7
Granit Xhaka
Worked tirelessly to haul the team back onto level terms but all of his good work was in a defensive capacity when Arsenal were crying out for more attacking creativity. 6
Bukayo Saka
Into double figures for the season with his perfectly struck goal but is clearly getting fed up with the treatment he is getting from opposing full-backs and was booked for his part in sparking a first-half melee. 7
Eddie Nketiah
He’s working so hard to fire Arsenal back to the top of the table and was desperately unlucky when his looping header hit the bar. But he should have scored minutes later when sent clear by Odegaard before shooting over. 5
Leandro Trossard
The Belgian was making his first Arsenal start since his £27million move from Brighton last month but wasn’t able to make as much impact as he has managed recently when coming off the bench. 5.
Substitutes
Gabriel Marinelli (for Trossard 68 mins)
Electric pace really scared Villa. He went on to seal all three points for the Gunners with a fantastic solo finish. 7
Fabio Vieira (for Xhaka 79 mins)
Got the assist for Martinelli’s last minute goal following a composed pass. 6
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Takehiro Tomiyasu (for white 79 mins)
Gave Arsenal a bit more defensive stability to see the game out. 5
Subs not used: Turner, Tierney, Smith Rowe, Kiwior, Holding, Nelson.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
