Arsenal player ratings: Cedric Soares howler costs Gunners as Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe impress going forward

ARSENAL slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa as Ollie Watkins’ second-minute strike sealed all three points for Dean Smith’s men.

The Gunners were shellshocked by the early blow which came after a terribly poor pass from Cedric Soares allowed Bertrand Traore to burst through and slide the ball across.

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Ollie Watkins scored the winner against ArsenalCredit: Ian Walton Telegraph Media Group

Arsenal came more and more into the game but never created consistent goalscoring opportunities as a well-organised Villa were resolute in defence.

Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe were bright sparks for Mikel Arteta’s side in attack.

SunSport’s Josh Graham hands out his ratings for the Arsenal stars at Villa Park.

Mat Ryan – 7/10

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Mat Ryan made a number of good stops on debut for the GunnersCredit: AFP

His first touch in an Arsenal shirt was picking the ball out of his own net but a cruel deflection meant he could do nothing about Villa’s rapid opener.

The Aussie became the fourth Prem keeper ever to concede within two minutes on his full debut, but soon came to his side’s rescue by standing tall with Bertrand Traore rushing onto his goal.

A number of smart stops after the break kept the Gunners in the hunt, including one spectacular leap to deny Jack Grealish.

Hector Bellerin – 6

The stand-in skipper fouled counterpart Grealish early as he tried to stick to the dangerous England ace and got away with a shove before half-time as he did well to keep him quiet.

Rob Holding – 5

Should have been tighter to Ollie Watkins but allowed the Villa forward to fire off a shot that deflected off him and into the goal two minutes in.

Gabriel Magalhaes – 6

Played his part in the mix-up with Cedric Soares on his return to the side for the suspended David Luiz.

Put in a super block as Ross Barkley looked to fire home with keeper Ryan stranded in the first-half.

Cedric Soares – 3

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Cedric Soares was at fault for the early Aston Villa goalCredit: AFP

Woefully under-hit his pass to Gabriel which allowed Bertrand Traore to step in and set up Watkins for the early goal.

Disappointed with his set-piece deliveries in a performance that will only increase Arsenal’s desire to get Kieran Tierney back fully fit.

Thomas Partey – 6

Increasingly an assured presence in the heart of the Arsenal midfield.

Was very harshly booked in the opening stages of the second-half before hobbling off with yet another injury concern – much to Mikel Arteta’s despair.

Granit Xhaka – 7

Sprayed some crisp passes off his left foot before almost curling a stunning free-kick into the top corner only for Martinez to spring into action before the half-hour mark.

Continued to pick nice balls going forward with Arsenal having a luxury of attacking riches on the field by the end.

Bukayo Saka – 8

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Bukayo Saka impressed for Arsenal once againCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Continually threatened down the right-hand side for two-thirds of the game before being shunted back to left-back where he was just as effective going forward.

Got a bit of Grealish-esque treatment in the first 45 when he forced Ezri Konsa to haul him down and was then scythed down by Makamba with both receiving bookings.

Emile Smith Rowe – 5

Quiet showing in the first 45 in the battle of the ankle socks against Grealish.

Looked more threatening after the interval as he enjoyed some mazy runs in and around the Villa box.

Nicolas Pepe – 7

Starting to show glimpses of why Arsenal forked out £72million for him – looking likely cutting in from the left.

Nearly played in Aubameyang with a ball across the face but continued to look dangerous and almost caught out Martinez at the near post when his shot deflected off Konsa.

Alexandre Lacazette – 4

Didn’t really ever get going on a cold Midlands day before he was hauled off less than 60 minutes in.

SUBS Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (on for Lacazette, 59) – 5

Got into some dangerous areas after coming off the bench, but took the ball away from Smith Rowe when he looked in a better position to strike.

Martin Odegaard (on for Soares, 65) – 5

Came on to spark Arsenal into life and the Norwegian blazed a great opportunity over the bar after Saka fed him in.

Willian (on for Partey, 74) – 5

Never looked like he would provide the bit of quality Arsenal were crying out for.

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