Arsenal beat Aston Villa 3-2 this afternoon and for some, all that matters is the win but for others, the performance is just as important because it indicates what to expect in the future and overall, it was not a great performance.
You could argue it was a game of two halves and no doubt some will point to the sending off of Ainsley Maitland-Niles as the reason for this game being so close, but that is not being honest with yourself, certainly not in my opinion.
Arsenal was poor for a vast amount of the game and while the win is definitely celebrated it does just mask over the continuing problems with the team and the ratings reflect that.
Leno – 6
Not to blame for either goal but never did anything exceptional, slightly above average rating
Maitland-Niles 2
Not only did he get himself sent off for two yellow card tackles but also injured himself, this is a game he will not want to remember.
Luiz 4
Poor today, yes he did some great passes but his job is defending and he did a bad job for the second Villa goal.
Sokratis 3
Did not like his play-acting one bit, it was embarrassing and Grealish made him look exactly like what he is, useless.
Kolasinac 5
Probably the best Arsenal defender that started today and he was poor, says it all really.
Xhaka 3
Another woeful performance from the Arsenal captain, the way he played today and previously is bringing the Arsenal captaincy into disrepute.
Guendouzi 7
He played well in bits and pieces but too often out of position including with losing McGinn when he scored for Villa but he did set up Chambers with a delightful pass.
Ceballos 5
I hope his performance against Burnley was not a flash in the pan, he was poor today and totally ineffective, starting to be disappointed more often than excited by the Spaniard.
Pepe 4
Got his name on the scoresheet from the penalty spot but offered up very little else in the game. What I have seen so far this season is just glimpses of what he apparently can do and that is all and today was no different.
Saka 6
I thought he was very unfortunate to be substituted, I understand why but based on contribution it was underserved but then he never cost £72 Million.
Aubameyang 6
Scored the winner and that is why he gets a six but it has to be said, he was poor overall. He missed some damn good chances and rarely held the ball up.
Subs
Chambers 7
Had a decent game and would have been the clear man of the match for Arsenal if he had done better for Villa’s second goal. He got his name on the scoresheet with a well-taken goal and deserves a start in the next Premier League game.
Torreira 6
Did ok when he came on, brought energy to the game and it was noticeable the pressure increased when he was introduced,
Willock 5
Hardly noticed him when he came on but played his part in keeping the pressure on.