Arsenal had a comfortable day out on the field with 3 goals in as many minutes sealing the match in the first half itself. Aston Villa offered no resistance to Arsenal in the second half as the Gunners passed for fun and had a relaxed outing. This win was very important for the Gunners’ confidence boost and a valuable three points to get some momentum in their campaign, in which they are still unbeaten. Here are the player ratings for the Gunners.
Szczesny: 3.5/5
Szczesny had a good game, as he managed a cool cleansheet. He barely got tested by Aston Villa strikers, and had some early goof up with his misplaced pass that led to a Villa counter, Szczesny was pretty much on top for the Gunners as he managed a few great saves.
Chambers: 3/5
The youngster also had a good game, as he replaced injured star Mathieu Debuchy. He was tested a few times, and was rash sometimes. He was booked during the game and was lucky to escape the second time when he committed a yellow card offense on Jack Grealish.
Mertesacker: 3.5/5
He had an untested game, but was up to the task. He along with other defenders kept the ball well in the second half as Villa were shocking in their approach, as they sat back and gave a lot of space to Arsenal to pass around. He played well for the team’s cleansheet.
Koscielny: 3.5/5
Usually ball players tend to lose concentration while defending especially if their team is leading by a healthy margin, but Koscielny was focused. He had a field day out as he passed around without pressure.
Gibbs: 3.5/5
The English International had a good game as he was a part of a very well organized and untested back four. He was great with his dangerous cross that resulted in Cissokho’s own goal giving Arsenal a 3-0 lead. Gibbs was back after injury absence and this match was ideal for him as he barely got the physicality that one must have thought he would, when Arsenal visited Aston Villa.
Ramsey: 3/5
Ramsey was involved in the build-up to the first two goals with his great vision and passing. His work-rate was also on show as he was always there for Arsenal as and when Villa decided to counter, though they weren’t as active as one would have thought. He also took one for the team, as he got a yellow card for fouling Agbonlahor during a counter. Ramsey also had one very bad cross-field pass from deep midfield that went behind for a Villa corner!
Arteta: 3/5
The Spaniard had a solid game. He is at his best when he is allowed time and space to pass. He was unchallenged in the second half and had a great passing game. His defensive abilities, which are somewhat of a weakness for him, were not tested, hence his technique in holding off possession was the one that was on show, and it was a great outing for him though nothing much happened around him.
Ozil: 4.5/5 MOTM
Let us give the German a break! He proved how good he is with a 79 second burst of a goal and an assist. After all the regular criticism he received from the experts and the media for his lack of work, today he showed that he had enough class and quality to make up for it! He showed exactly how devastating his passing, vision and movement can be if he isn’t challenged properly by the defenders. This was a much needed confidence boost for the star and he would hope that this performance would help him keep his consistency.
Cazorla: 3/5
With all the attacking prowess that the twinkle footed Spaniard shows, there was no doubt Villa had a huge problem to deal with. Cazorla combined well with Ozil and Ramsey and had a great game overall. His involvement in the build-ups plus the natural flair he brings along with his double-footedness, he gave Arsenal a good dimension in their offence.
Chamberlain: 3.5/5
He was selected as a last moment replacement for Alexis Sanchez. The Englishman was fresh and lively with his performance. He worked hard and had some great dribbles and runs to his name. He gelled well with Ozil and Cazorla, as well as with new lad Danny Welbeck.
Welbeck: 4/5
Welbeck was a great burst of energy and pace down central and had some great chances, from which he got one goal and an assist, marking a great day for him. He combined well with Ozil, who was playing behind him, meaning he was having great assistance. His work-rate meant that he often ended up wide or deeper with the ball, which tested his hold-up play, and the Englishman didn’t disappoint.
Note: Substitutes Podolski, Wilshere and Rosicky came at a time when Arsenal weren’t having any pressure and were playing freely and in a relaxed manner. Their contribution wasn’t influential as the match was already done and dusted.