Typical Arsenal. After two fantastic performances in our previous two games, we go back to the same old Arsenal. We were really poor and a shadow of the team that beat City on Saturday. Going forward, we looked toothless and lacked any real quality in the final third. I don’t think we ever looked like scoring. Credit to Villa, they defended really well and fully deserved to take all three points. This puts them in a far more favourable position in their relegation battle and their future is now back in their hands.
I don’t think that there was much that could’ve been done about the goal, it was a really sweet strike in fairness to Trezeguet. Perhaps the ball could’ve been cleared by an Arsenal head from the corner but full marks to the Villa winger. I don’t think Villa even looked particularly threatening going forward. They didn’t really have to as after the goal they were content just to sit back and frustrate us. I think the most disappointing thing as an Arsenal fan, was the lack of creativity. I can’t remember anyone carving open the Villa defence. Maybe we miss players like Mesut Ozil in games like these. Someone who can unlock defences when teams sit back.
I don’t think anyone had a good game today but I thought Ceballos was probably our best player. Was tidy on the ball and at least looked like he was trying to drive the team forward. On the other hand, our front three just didn't work. I have no idea what the thinking was playing Nketiah on the right. He was really mediocre and offered very little. I don’t think he’s Arsenal quality whatsoever. I don’t think he’ll be sold but he definitely needs another loan. I’m not sure how a player who only scored three in the Championship at Leeds can be expected to make major contributions for us. Aubameyang was also very quiet today. I know he relies on service but as captain I think he’s got to do more in games like these to inspire the players around him.
I was very underwhelmed watching Jack Grealish today. I think he’s been really poor since June. Nine games since the restart and he hasn’t managed either a goal or assist. As captain of the club, with your team in serious trouble in the league, you’d expect him to step up and put in match winning performances. Especially if he’s looking for a big money move in the summer. You get the feeling that he thinks he’s too good for Villa, evidenced by the fact he takes far too many touches on the ball without any real end product. Honestly, I don’t think United will be looking at him in the summer following the arrival of Bruno. Don’t get me wrong, Grealish is clearly a talented player but is he good enough to fit into a top six team where he won’t be top dog? I’m not so sure. We’ll have to see what happens in the Summer.
Player Ratings
Martinez 6
Didn’t have much to do. Couldn’t have done anything about the goal. Made a relatively routine stop from McGinn but outside that, did what he could.
Holding 5
Was very frustrating to watch. I was crying out for him to bring the ball forward but instead preferred to take the safe route and play back to Luiz. Didn't do a lot wrong defensively.
David Luiz 5
Another who didn’t put a foot wrong defensively but was very slow moving the ball. We needed to get the ball higher up the field but that couldn’t be done with slow sideways passing.
Kolasinac 6
A bit sloppy on the ball at times but at least he was strong in the tackle. He looked to bring the ball forward so that's a bonus I suppose. Not sure how I felt about him at CB. Can be like a bull in a china shop at times.
Cedric 5
Didn’t have a great game. Will be disappointed with his final ball at times and his first touch seemed to let him down on occasion.
Torreira 5
Never really settled into the game and was second best to a couple loose balls. Was taken off at half time after being cautioned. Will be disappointed he couldn’t make a bigger impact to nail down a starting position.
Ceballos 7 (MoM)
Our best player on the night. Looked to drive the team forward and once again proved that we should want him as an Arsenal player next season.
Saka 5
Very poor game by his standards. Disappointing final ball, never really had the chance to take on his man and was caught out of position a couple of times. Will learn from it.
Nketiah 5
Forgot he was playing at times. In fairness to him, he’s not a right winger but had no impact going forward.
Lacazette 5
Nice touches and hold up play when he got on the ball. We couldn’t link the midfield and front three which led to Laca being invisible for much of the game.
Aubameyang 5
Had no real openings to work with. Spurned a great chance to square to Nketiah when he over hit a simple pass. Will be gutted he couldn’t gain ground in the golden boot race.
Subs: Useless
The result officially means we cannot qualify for the Europa League through the top 7. Our last chance for that will be in the FA cup against Chelsea. That will be some good old squeaky bum time.
JH
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