The Gunners went in 1-0 up at the break after Gabriel Martinelli prodded past Emiliano Martinez from close range, with Kai Havertz netting after the break to give the hosts a two-goal cushion.
However, with Villa notably breaking Arsenal hearts at the Emirates last term, Youri Tielemans began the comeback with a header from inside the box to make it 2-1.
Ollie Watkins, who grew up supporting Arsenal, then drew the visitors level with an emphatic first-time finish to set up a tense final phase of the game.
Arsenal pressed Villa back and built up the phases outside the penalty area, but couldn’t quite pick the lock, Unai Emery once again frustrating his former side.
Here, Mail Sport’s ISAAN KHAN runs the rule over the star performers from Saturday’s clash, and those who perhaps could have contributed more for their sides
Kai Havertz had given Arsenal a 2-0 lead after Gabriel Martinelli’s opener before the break
Youri Tielemans got one goal back before Ollie Watkins levelled the tie from close range
Mikel Arteta’s side were once again frustrated by Unai Emery and Aston Villa in their title hunt
ARSENAL (4-3-3):
DAVID RAYA: 6
Kept alert for the Aston Villa counter-attacks, spearheaded by Ollie Watkins.
Conceded twice.
THOMAS PARTEY: 5.5
Did well to break up play but gifted Watkins with a chance vs Raya early on — and then left the striker alone to convert Matty Cash’s cross.
JURRIEN TIMBER: 6
Slotted in at a centre back which is an unfamiliar position for the full back. It was a tall order.
GABRIEL: 6.5
Marshalled the defence well and kept alert in a high backline.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY: 6.5
Another assured display by the teenager. Crunching first-half tackle on Morgan Rogers set the tone. Provided a quality cross on 49 minutes which should have been converted.
MARTIN ODEGAARD: 6
Nice play on the ball but little success in end product.
DECLAN RICE: 6.5
Got stuck in, in the midfield battle. Powerful shot on 74 minutes skewed wide.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI: 7
Looked hungry and kept pushing his side’s play forward. Nice finish to poke home Trossard’s cross.
KAI HAVERTZ: 6.5
Got himself in and around the goal. Scored off a Trossard cross.
LEANDRO TROSSARD: 8
Two wonderful assists to put his side on contention. Arsenal’s man of the match.
Manager – MIKEL ARTETA: 6
Will be bitterly disappointed to drop points in a match which his side had plenty of chances in.
Be the first to comment