Arsenal player ratings vs Aston Villa: Mat Ryan impresses on debut despite defeat, Hector Bellerin struggles

Arsenal suffered back-to-back Premier League defeats after Ollie Watkins early goal fired Aston Villa to a 1-0 victory.

Here’s how Mikel Arteta’s side rated at Villa Park…

Mat Ryan 8 | Star man

Little he could do about the Villa goal – which took a deflection off Rob Holding. Had a good game after that and made a few of strong saves. Good debut.

Hector Bellerin 4

The Spaniard really struggled at Villa Park, particularly going forward. Final ball was often lacking. Not a good game for the right-back.

Gabriel 6

In for the suspended David Luiz and made a shaky start as Arsenal went behind early on. Improved, however, and was fairly solid.

Rob Holding 7

Was tested by the pace of Watkins and managed to deal with him fairly well. Arsenal’s best defender on the day.

Cedric Soares 5

Was at fault for Aston Villa’s goal after underhitting his pass to Gabriel. Got better after that, but wasn’t at level he has been recently.

Thomas Partey 6

A solid enough game, however didn’t play at that level which we know he is capable of. Broke up play nicely enough, but passing was off at times.

Granit Xhaka 7

Another decent performance from the Swiss, who was one of Arsenal’s better players in defeat. Dictacted play nicely.

Bukayo Saka 7

Consistent as always and Arsenal’s best attacking player. Moved to left-back in the second-half and still caused plenty of problems.

Emile Smith Rowe 6

Plenty of work rate and fight from the youngster during another solid display. Few promising moments in attack too, but couldn’t unlock the Villa defence.

Nicolas Pepe 6

A couple of nice mazy runs and dribbles, but end product was unfortunately lacking. Spurned a good chance in the second-half.

Alexandre Lacazette 6

Few nice moments from the Frenchman, but not as good as he has been in recent weeks. Taken off just before the hour mark so Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could come on.

Substitutes

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Lacazette 59′) 5

Came on and played through the middle but was very quiet.

Martin Odegaard (Cedric 65′) 6

Bright and lively after coming and helped created some opening. Wasted a golden chance late on.

Willian (Partey 75′) N/A

Unused:Runarsson, Mari, Chambers, Elneny, Ceballos, Martinelli