Calafiori stars, Tzolis struggles: Arsenal player ratings after beating Aston Villa 1-0

Arsenal ground out a hard-earned victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park to continue their defence of the Premier League title in perfect fashion.

Villa were much improved after being hammered by Brighton last weekend and Arsenal had to be patient.

In the end, it was a goal from Bukayo Saka from inside the six yard box that got the three points for the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta went with the same XI that had won on the opening day of the season and while the performance needed to be different, there was plenty to be positive about as well.

Here, then, are our player ratings for Arsenal’s players against Villa.

David Raya – 6

Calm and composed as usual and played a pantomime villain part near the end in running down the clock as Arsenal wasted time.

Ben White – 7

Another assured performance from White who seems to have reacted to the challenge of Ezri Konsa signing.

Gabriel – 7

Unflappable once again. The Brazilian is stepping up to the plate with William Saliba out injured.

Christian Mosquera – 6

The less impressive of the two centre-backs but still did his job admirably before coming off.

Riccardo Calafiori – 8

Our player of the match. Calafiori played the crucial role in the Arsenal goal and was a threat down the left all night while being solid at the back.

Declan Rice – 7

Another solid performance from Rice but Arsenal fans will be worried at seeing him limp off.

Martin Odegaard – 6

Was busy as usual but didn’t quite manage to open the Villa defence as he would have liked.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6

Quietly efficient from Lewis-Skelly in midfield but he continues to impress enough. Could face a fight to keep his place after Bruno Guimaraes’ cameo.

Bukayo Saka – 7

Got the crucial goal by attacking the space in the box and once again proved to be the difference maker in a tight game for Arsenal.

Christos Tzolis – 5

A bit of a nightmare second game for Tzolis. After his fine debut, he struggled and highlighted Arsenal’s need for a new winger.

Kai Havertz – 7

Remains Mikel Arteta’s main man in attack and continues to show why. Was efficient with his running, cool in possession and proved to be a good focal point.

Off the bench, Ebere Eze was quiet while Ezri Konsa did his job. However, Bruno Guimaraes was a star and showed very much why he’s been bought.