Arsenal player ratings vs Aston Villa: Leandro Trossard finding form but Thomas Partey sloppiness costly | OneFootball

Gunners were two-goals up in second-half but could not see out victory

Arsenal’s title hopes were dealt a blow after they drew at home to Aston Villa.

Villa, however, scored twice in the space of eight second-half minutes as Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins found the net.

The draw means Arsenal are now six points off Premier League leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand as well.

Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal in action...

David Raya 6

Made a good save from Ian Maatsen in the first-half. Had little to do after that and could not do much about either goal.

Thomas Partey 5

Didn't cover himself in glory for either of Villa’s goal, but especially their second. Let Ollie Watkins get free inside the box to make it 2-2. Sloppy.

Jurrien Timber 7

Forced to fill in at centre-back in the absence of the injured William Saliba. Was solid overall, but Arsenal missed having him at full-back.

Gabriel 7

Made a couple of vital blocks and tackles in the first-half. Villa nullified his threat from set-pieces, though.

Myles Lewis-Skelly 8

Yet another great performance from the 18-year-old, who looks so comfortable at this level. Had a good battle with Morgan Rogers - and came out on top.

Myles Lewis-Skelly had the better of his battle with Morgan Rogers

Zac Goodwin/PA Wire

Martin Odegaard 6

Looks much fresher and over the illness that impacted him at the start of this month. Needs to increase his output in terms of goals and assists.

Declan Rice 8

Moved to the base of midfield after five appearances in a row as a No8. Was everywhere and like a man possessed at times.

Mikel Merino 6

Will be disappointed that Tielemans nipped in front of him for his goal. Heartbreak for him late on as he had a goal ruled out and then hit the post.

Gabriel Martinelli 7

Put Arsenal ahead in the first-half and was excellent in the opening 45 minutes. Forced Villa to hook Maatsen at the break. Lucas Digne dealt better with him.

Kai Havertz 7

Back in the goals after a difficult 10 days or so. Unfortunate that Merino’s late strike was ruled out as it hit his hand.

Leandro Trossard 8

Set up both of Arsenal’s goals and put in a good performance. Scored against Spurs on Wednesday, too, and looks to be finding some form.

Substitutions

Raheem Sterling (Martinelli 82’) N/A

Subs not used: Neto, Kiwior, Kacurri, Tierney, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Kabia, Butler-Oyedeji