[Player Ratings] Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal: Wilshere The Architect For Gunners

Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on Monday night to regain top spot in the Premier League thanks to goals from Jack Wilshere and Olivier Giroud.

Here are my ratings from the game:

Szczesny 6/10

Was a virtual bystander for the first half but was called into action more after the break as Villa grew in confidence.

Sagna 7/10

The dependable Frenchman was solid again and even managed a couple of decent crosses in the first half that almost led to Giroud goals.

Mertesacke 7/10

Was able to keep Christian Benteke quiet in the first half but was given far more problems after the break with the Belgian on hand to head Villa back into the game. Height was vital as Villa bombarded the box with high balls late on.

Koscielny 7.5/10

Excellent display. Won the majority of his duels and cleared his lines with some no nonsense defending when it was needed.

Monreal 7/10

Set up the opening goal for Wilshere with some fine work down the wing, but was forced off in the second half with a foot injury.

Flamini 6.5/10

Quietly went about his business in front of the defence and put his foot in when required.

Wilshere 8/10

Lovely finish to open the deadlock and then grabbed an assist for what turned out to be the winning goal as he found Giroud with a delightful ball. Great to watch when on top form.

Cazorla 5.5/10

Poor game overall from Santi. Nothing came off for him in the attacking third and his loose pass led to Villa’s goal.

Gnabry 6/10

Looked lively early on but faded somewhat as the game wore on and was subbed.

Ozil 6/10

Played his part in the opener as he set Monreal free with a sublime through-ball but went missing for large parts of the game.

Giroud 7/10

Should have done better with an early header before making it 2-0 with a lovely finish. Worked hard as usual.

Subs:

Gibbs 6/10 – On for the injured Monreal and slotted in at left-back with ease.

Rosicky N/A – On for only minutes after being forced off with a suspected broken nose.

Oxlade-Chamberlain N/A – Good to see him back playing.

It wasn’t Arsenal at their best but they did enough to collect the three points and move back above Man City and Chelsea.

What were your ratings from the game? Share your thoughts below.