Player Ratings from Arsenal's Narrow 1-0 Win Over Aston Villa

Aston Villa vs Arsenal: Player Performance Ratings

Bukayo Saka secured a 1-0 win for Arsenal at Aston Villa. Here’s how both teams’ players were rated after the match.

Aston Villa Starting Lineup

• Zion Suzuki: Made his debut as a £30m signing from Parma, unable to stop the goal. Had a corner misjudgment but showed promising distribution skills. Rating: 7
• Matty Cash: Delivered a solid performance, managing to contain Christos Tzolis before he was substituted at halftime. Rating: 6
• Pau Torres: Helped keep Arsenal from scoring until the second half. Rating: 6
• Victor Lindelof: The Swedish defender worked hard to limit Arsenal’s chances, maintaining consistency since joining on a free transfer. Rating: 6
• Ian Maatsen: Faced tough competition from new signing Matteo Ruggeri; struggled to contain Saka and was beaten for the goal. Rating: 6
• Boubacar Kamara: A key figure in Villa’s midfield, providing a shield that frustrated Arsenal until the breakthrough. Rating: 7
• Ross Barkley: Given another chance at Villa, he aimed to keep the team’s momentum but had an average night. Rating: 6
• John McGinn: Energetic captain who tried to unsettle Arsenal throughout, never letting his effort drop. Rating: 6
• Emi Buendia: Hit the crossbar early and was a creative spark, though lacking the decisive finish. Rating: 6
• George Hemmings: Highly regarded by Villa fans, the 19-year-old showed no nerves and made several threats in the first half. Rating: 7
• Nicolas Jackson: The club’s £65m record signing is still settling in, showing flashes of potential. Rating: 6

Villa Substitutes

• Tammy Abraham (71’): Came on despite loan interest, unable to find an equalizer. Rating: 6
• Alysson (71’): Lively winger during his cameo. Rating: 6
• Alejandro Garnacho (78’): Could not change the outcome late on. Rating: 5
• Aaron Wan-Bissaka (78’): Made his debut but had limited impact. Rating: 5

Unused subs included Bizot, Bogarde, Lynch, Mings, and Ruggeri.

Arsenal Starting XI

• David Raya: Provided a dependable display with a good range of passing. Rating: 6
• Ben White: Less active going forward than usual but helped maintain a clean sheet. Rating: 6
• Cristhian Mosquera: Solid alongside Gabriel, forced off injured in the second half. Rating: 6
• Gabriel Magalhaes: Led Arsenal’s defense well and nearly scored from a corner. Rating: 7
• Riccardo Calafiori: Took adventurous positions and assisted Saka’s winning goal. Rating: 8
• Declan Rice: Controlled the midfield with key interceptions and dangerous set-piece delivery. Rating: 6
• Myles Lewis-Skelly: Continued strong form, calm under pressure and responsible in play. Rating: 7
• Martin Odegaard: Played some neat passes, came close with a free-kick but lacked overall influence going forward. Rating: 6
• Bukayo Saka: Scored the vital goal and was involved in most of Arsenal’s best moments. Rating: 8
• Christos Tzolis: Worked hard but failed to impress going forward and was substituted at halftime. Rating: 4
• Kai Havertz: Quiet but provided a focal point up front, holding the ball well. Rating: 6

Arsenal Substitutes

• Eberechi Eze (46’): Entered at halftime and played a significant role in the goal. Rating: 7
• Mikel Merino (71’): Brought more energy to midfield. Rating: 6
• Bruno Guimaraes (71’): Made his Premier League debut. Rating: 6
• Ezri Konsa (78’): First appearance for Arsenal. Rating: 6
• Martin Zubimendi (85’): Came on late as Arsenal aimed to hold the lead. Rating: 5

Unused substitutes were Kepa, Hincapie, Gyokeres, and Madueke.

Top Player Ratings

Player of the Match: Riccardo Calafiori (7.41 average rating)

Aston Villa highest ratings:

• Zion Suzuki: 6.29
• Matty Cash: 5.78
• Emi Buendía: 5.69
• Pau Torres: 5.63
• John McGinn: 5.63
• Ross Barkley: 5.61
• Nicolas Jackson: 5.60
• Victor Lindelöf: 5.58
• Boubacar Kamara: 5.54
• Ian Maatsen: 5.51
• George Hemmings: 5.43
• Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 5.41
• Alysson: 5.13
• Tammy Abraham: 4.84
• Alejandro Garnacho: 4.54

Arsenal top ratings:

• Riccardo Calafiori: 7.41
• Bukayo Saka: 7.34
• Declan Rice: 7.05
• Gabriel Magalhães: 6.93
• David Raya: 6.88
• Bruno Guimarães: 6.70
• Myles Lewis-Skelly: 6.64
• Eberechi Eze: 6.63
• Mikel Merino: 6.55
• Cristhian Mosquera: 6.55
• Martin Odegaard: 6.46
• Ezri Konsa: 6.40
• Ben White: 6.29
• Martín Zubimendi: 6.29
• Kai Havertz: 6.05
• Christos Tzolis: 5.72