Aston Villa- Arsenal Player Ratings

Aston Villa- Arsenal Player Ratings

 Fabianski 5.5 He cannot be faulted for the goals but I think he is beginning to look shaky again. Conceding 7 goals in 3 games is hardly a reference for a goal keeper, even though there were no obvious mistakes. But it was his inability to command the box at corners and his poor distribution that made me unhappy today.

Sagna 6.5 Great at going forward and participating in the build up, especially in the first half. Defended well in the second half.

Koscielny 7 Excellent as for me he was playing as the only centre-back in a 3-man defence. Had to carry Squillaci for 90 minutes and did ever so well, especially in the last 10 minutes when the game was still 3-2.

Squillaci 2 A virtual passenger in the whole game. Just stood there so many times while Villa sent crosses in our box. I watched in disbelief as Villa players beat him as if he was not there.Looks vulnerable and totally struggles with the pace of the English game, and reminds me too much of a certain Pascal Cygan in his play. Was lucky that Koscielny was there to bail him out throughout the game. Time to drop him for Djourou and think of a replacement in January.

Clichy 7 A much-improved performance where he was focused for the whole game, breaking down attacks down his flank and providing an attacking outlet when needed.

Song 6.5 An important component of our team as he provides the steel in a silky side. Showed his strength in the first half when he out-muscled Downing and broke up a number of their moves. We struggle when he does not play.

Wilshere 7 Took time to get into the game again but came out much more committed in the second half. Seems to get better when others tire and that says a lot about his stamina. Scored the goal that killed the game off.

Rosicky 7 A battling display by the stand-in captain. I have some sympathy for him as he is not the same brilliant player he was before his injury. But today he demonstrated a first-class attitude and provided an excellent pass for Chamakh’s goal.

Arshavin 9 When he is at his best, he is simply a world-class player. Seems to have benefitted from his mid-week break and today he was on fire. Got a great goal and never stopped running. Seems to be developing an understanding with Chamakh. Made a superb solo run in the second half and I am glad that he has ended his Premiership goal drought.

Nasri 7.5 Excellent goal and at the heart of things for most of the game. I still think that he is playing with some physical discomfort but his touches and skills were brilliant.

Chamakh 9 Brilliant display and I think Bendtner should look up to him if he wants to improve his game. Gave Collins and Dunne a nightmare with his action-packed performance and is the real deal up front. Times his runs perfectly and Arshavin kept up on finding him throughout the game. Capped his afternoon with a well-taken goal and an assist for Wilshere’s goal.