Aston Villa player ratings v Arsenal – 3/10 terrible, 9/10 Tielemans incredible
Aston Villa secured a dramatic turnaround at the Emirates to extend their unbeaten streak in the Premier League after a 2-2 draw against Arsenal.
The hosts took the lead at the Emirates (18 January) courtesy of a Gabriel Martinelli strike in the first half after Ian Maatsen was caught lacking at the back post with Kai Havertz doubling the advantage in the second half.
Despite the Villans heading into the contest as underdogs and trailing by two goals, Youri Tielemans sparked the comeback with an amazing diving header before Ollie Watkins pulled the visitors on level terms.
Here, Villa News rates the performances of the Villans after a dramatic game in North London.
Emi Martinez – 6
The goalkeeper produced some fantastic saves to keep Arsenal at bay despite conceding two goals on the day. There was nothing Martinez could have done more and was undoubtedly let down by his defence.
Matty Cash – 6
The right-back was found exposed far too many times on the right flank as Arsenal clearly targeted Cash. However, he made up for his defensive frailties by setting up Watkins for the equaliser.
Ezri Konsa – 6
Not the best performance for the Englishman as he struggled to deal with the opposition attack but will be relieved Tielemans and Watkins bailed out the defence at the Emirates.
Tyrone Mings – 6
Mings couldn’t follow up his efforts in the win against Everton last weekend, it is clear Villa must recruit another defender before the transfer window slams shut.
Ian Maatsen [off for Lucas Digne 46′] – 3
The Dutchman looked lively in the opening minutes after he fired an effort at David Raya but his outing went downhill from there. He picked up a yellow card for a rough challenge on Martinelli and was caught asleep at the back post for the Brazilian’s goal. A truly awful display from Maatsen.
Boubacar Kamara – 6
Kamara allowed Leandro Trossard past the Villa defence far too easily for the opening goal but otherwise produced a fairly capable performance in the middle of the park.
Amadou Onana [off for Lamare Bogarde 37′] – 5
The Belgian’s afternoon was cut short after he suffered another injury setback at the Emirates. His fitness track record is proving a serious cause for concern.
Youri Tielemans sparks the comeback for Aston Villa
Morgan Rogers – 5
Despite Paul Merson expressing his concern that the forward would run riot against Arsenal, he failed to live up to his usual high standards. Of course, all footballers are allowed an off-day but he offered no attacking impact whatsoever.
Youri Tielemans – 9
The Belgian is really making the number 10 spot his own for Aston Villa. Tielemans sparked the comeback with a great diving header goal and hit the post moments later before Watkins put the visitors on level terms. He ran himself into the ground for the cause in arguably his best performance to date.
Jacob Ramsey – 5
Another Villa forward who struggled on the day. Ramsey did little with the ball at his feet and ultimately should have seen his afternoon ended long before the final whistle.
Ollie Watkins [off for Jhon Duran 80′] – 8
Despite failing to capitalise on Partey’s throw-in error, Watkins sent a statement of intent to forward competitor Jhon Duran at the Emirates. A goal is never too far away when he is on the pitch and once again he rises to the occasion to save Aston Villa.
Substitutes
Lamare Bogarde – 6
Bogarde did well in difficult circumstances at the Emirates, albeit nothing spectacular. But he did what was expected of him, winning the ball back on a few occasions and playing safe passes to maintain possession.
Digne – 7
The gulf in class between Digne and Maatsen was clear as soon as the Frenchman stepped onto the pitch. He put it on a plate for Watkins to equalise and helped shore up a leaky Villa defence.
Jhon Duran – N/A
In other Aston Villa news, a Villa ace will “receive first team chance” amid Celtic approach.
For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.