[Player Ratings] Arsenal 2-1 Aston Villa: Cazorla Stars To Secure Vital Three Points

Arsenal bounced back from a disappointing week to beat Aston Villa 2-1 at the Emirates on Saturday thanks to a double from Santi Cazorla. It wasn’t a vintage display and the usual flaws were on show, but three points is ALL that mattered today. Here are my player ratings from the game:

Arsenal Player Ratings:

Szczesny – 5 – Poor goalkeeping once again for the equaliser. It was well hit but he should never have been beaten, the shot was almost straight at him. A new goalkeeper will be needed for next season if Szczesny carries on like this.

Jenkinson – 6 – Great cross almost found Giroud in the second half and he got forward to support the attack on occasion, but let himself down with a poor header that lead to Villa having possession for the equaliser.

Mertesacker – 6 – Steady at the back. Didn’t really put a foot wrong but still doesn’t fill you with confidence. Needs to be more of a threat from set pieces at the other end as well. He’s 6 foot 6 for crying out loud!

Vermaelen – 6.5 – Put in a couple of important tackles and interceptions, particularly in the first half.

Monreal – 7 – Was given a tough time by Weimann down the left in the first half but was much better in the second period when he was bombing forward. Excellent cross in the latter stages of the first half almost found Giroud but grabbed an assist with a clever cut back for Cazorla in the dying minutes.

Arteta – 6 – Not bad in possession but once again showed he’s no defensive midfielder as Villa were allowed the freedom of the park on the break on several occasions. We were finally punished with the Weimann goal. Great player, superb pro, but is being asked to do a job he’s not suited for.

Diaby – 5 – Impressed in patches but didn’t really do a lot before going off early in the second half with another injury. Hopefully it’s not serious.

Wilshere – 6 – Below par by his standards. Wasn’t really his usual self but was involved in the winner when his lovely ball set Monreal away to set up Cazorla.

Cazorla – 8 – Easily MOTM, even without his goals. Was excellent on the ball and our only real creative hub capped off with two well taken goals. Becomes the first player since Thierry Henry to score 10 league goals in his debut season. Superb effort.

Walcott – 5 – Quiet in the first half but saw more of the ball in the second period and put in a couple of dangerous crosses. Didn’t have his shooting boots on with several wayward efforts at goal.

Giroud – 5 – Poor display from the big man. Was offside too often, and touch and hold-up play was generally poor all afternoon. Should have squared to set up Wilshere for a tap in just after the break but selfishly went for goal and screwed horribly wide, then missed a sitter from six yards.

Subs:

Ramsey – 6 – Decent display from Rambo. Kept hold of the ball too often at times and was wayward with his passing but was full of energy and helped push for the winner.

Podolski – 5 – No real impact.

Koscielny – N/A

If your didn’t get to watch the game you can watch the goals and highlights here.

What were your ratings from the game? Get involved in the comments section below.