- Arsenal dropped points in the title race after a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa
- Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins both scored in the second half to secure the win
- Arsenal need to feel unbeatable… they will cause more misery for Harry Kane and Bayern Munich – Listen to the It all starts podcast
It could have been a crucial weekend in the title race, with Mikel Arteta’s side failing to capitalize on their chance to move two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League following their 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
Leon Bailey smashed a low effort into the bottom left corner of the goal in the 83rd minute of the match after Arsenal failed to deal with Lucas Digne’s thumping cross which flew straight over the goal.
Ollie Watkins would return three minutes later to score a sensational breakaway goal, dropping the ball over David Raya to seal the win. Aston Villa could have sealed the victory earlier in the second half afterwards Youri Tielemans smashed a long range effort against the crossbar.
Villa then consolidated their grip on a Champions League spot next season, moving three points clear of Tottenham in fourth place after Spurs were beaten 4-0 by Newcastle on Saturday afternoon.
Mail Sports Isaan Khan delivers his player ratings as Arsenal drop points in the title race.
Leon Bailey scored to help Aston Villa secure a late 2-0 win against Arsenal on Sunday
Ollie Watkins followed two minutes later with an excellent breakaway goal to seal the win
Arsenal are on their way to the top of the league after Liverpool were defeated by Crystal Palace
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ARSENAL (4-3-3)
DAVID RAYA-6
Both Ollie Watkins and Youri Tielemans found the goal in two chances. Wasn’t helped by his defense here.
AM WHITE – 6.5
Great defense to deny Watkins with a counter-attack after 21 minutes.
WILLEM SALIBA-5.5
Leon Bailey released at the back post and the midfielder scored. The positioning for the second goal was questionable. Will be bitterly disappointed.
GABRIEL – 6
Made the mistake that allowed Watkins to hit a post.
OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO-5.5
Good teamwork, but his lax attempt to dribble out of danger left Tielemans inches from scoring.
David Raya looked sharp at the start of the match but was not helped by his defense later on
Gabriel received a yellow card from referee David Coote in the first half for a foul on Morgan Rogers
Oleksandr Zinchenko let Youri Tielemans clear a dangerous shot in the second half
MARTIN ODEGAARD-8.5
He pulled the strings in midfield. I also got stuck with tackling. Arsenal’s best player.
DECLAN RICE – 6
Important off the ball with his runs and positioning, and effective in pressing. But he should have done more with the ball in third.
KAI HAVERTZ-6
A few good movements, smart shooting from deep through the back line, but that finish was missing. This seriously hampered Arsenal at times.
Martin Odegaard throws his hats into the air in frustration after his team suffered a defeat
Declan Rice battles with Rogers, with the two battling each other in midfield throughout the match
BUKAYO SAKA-6.5
Lively and caused numerous problems in the first, but faded in the second period.
GABRIEL JESUS - 6
Had a good header chance at first base that went wide and saved a chance at 62 minutes.
LEANDRO TROSSARD-6
Isolated on the left wing, his finishing, which is usually good, could not bring into play.
Bukayo Saka did not have a major impact on the match, but did have some chances
Gabriel Jesus had a few chances and tested Emi Martinez with a long shot
Mikel Arteta cut a pained figure on the touchline after his side failed to secure victory
Substitutes
GABRIEL MARTINELLI-6
I didn’t get many chances with the ball.
TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU-6.5
Made tackles when necessary.
Manager
MIKEL ARTETA-5.5
His team lost on the same day as Liverpool. A big blow in the title race.