Aston Villa vs. Arsenal player ratings: Live grades for Gunners, Villains in 2026 Premier League match originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The defending Premier League champions look to keep things moving at the start of the season as Arsenal navigate their first road trip of the campaign with a visit to Aston Villa on Monday.
The Gunners have begun the season in excellent fashion, silencing Manchester City with a 3-0 win in the Community Shield before a victory of the same scoreline against newly-promoted Coventry City to begin league play.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, were thrashed by Brighton 4-0 to open their top flight circuit, still in a state of transition from a busy summer transfer window as Unai Emery looks to impart his specialised tactics on a host of new players.
The Sporting News brings you a full list of player ratings for the match, analysing both team's individual performances from the opening kickoff to the final whistle.
MORE:What Premier League games are on today?
Aston Villa vs. Arsenal live scoreLocation: Villa Park (Birmingham, England)
Referee: Jarred Gillett
Starting lineups:
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. Z. Suzuki (GK) — 2. M. Cash (Wan-Bissaka, 78'), 3. V. Lindelof, 14. P. Torres, 22. I. Maatsen — 8. B. Kamara, 6. R. Barkley (Garnacho, 78') — 7. J. McGinn, 10. E. Buendia, 53. G. Hemmings (Edward, 71') — 11. N. Jackson (Abraham, 71').
Arsenal (4-3-3, right to left): 1. Raya (GK) — 4. B. White, 3. Y. Mosquera (Konsa, 78'), 6. Gabriel, 33. R. Calafiori — 8. M. Odegaard (Guimaraes, 71'), 49. M. Lewis-Skelly (Merino, 71'), 41. D. Rice (Zubimendi, 85') — 7. B. Saka, 29. K. Havertz, 17. C. Tzolis (Eze, 46').
Arsenal player ratings vs. Aston VillaAll ratings are on a 10-point scale.
StartersGoalkeeper: David Raya — 6
Had nothing to do in the first half, as Aston Villa failed to secure a shot on target. Good in possession in his own half, but struggled with long deliveries.
This section will be updated as the match progresses and the player looks to have an impact on the game.
Right-back: Ben White — 6
Ben White got the start at right-back over former Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, who is yet to make his Arsenal debut.
Caused Aston Villa some problems in an inverted full-back role tucking into midfield.
This section will be updated as the match progresses and the player looks to have an impact on the game.
Right center-back: Cristhian Mosquera — 8
Mosquera is starting in place of the injured William Saliba for as long as the Frenchman remains sidelined by his back injury. Great start to the match on both ends, especially providing danger on corners not just on the initial delivery, but also in recycling possession to keep the pressure on.
Delivered a brilliant first ball to open up the chance that resulted in Bukayo Saka's opening goal.
Unfortunately had to exit with what appeared to be a hamstring injury, which was a disappointing end to an excellent performance.
Left center-back: Gabriel — 8
Hardly put a foot wrong on the ball, but did occasionally get lost with Aston Villa counter-attacking. For the most part, held firm on his side of the field, and was exceptional in the build-up.
This section will be updated as the match progresses and the player looks to have an impact on the game.
Left-back: Riccardo Calafiori — 7
Muscled off the ball early on by Boubacar Kamara (definitely a foul, but wasn't called). A bit scatterbrained as is his style, but did manage to provide occasional danger.
Improved in the second half, especially up front, and his work rate paid off as he slid to assist Bukayo Saka's opening goal.
This section will be updated as the match progresses and the player looks to have an impact on the game.
Central midfielder: Martin Odegaard — 6
Provided great energy in the attacking half through the first 45 minutes, creating multiple chances for Arsenal. Fed Kai Havertz in the 14th minute for his missed shot, although he pulled the trigger just a split second too late which saw the German leaning slightly offside.
Very nearly found the back of the net with a free-kick early in the second half, but sent the ball just inches wide. Finished with 41 completed passes in 44 attempts, but failed to provide the significant danger he's capable of.
Central midfielder: Myles Lewis-Skelly — 7
With Declan Rice doing more of the adventurous possessional work, Lewis-Skelly was assured in the middle. Completed 46 of 49 pass attempts including eight line-breaking passes, made five defensive contributions, won both his ground duels, and looked comfortable in the middle. A strong performance.
Central midfielder: Declan Rice — 6
Heavily involved throughout the first 25 minutes, to mixed results. His efforts to play long didn't quite work out, but he was still a major factor in Arsenal's possession. Was excellent on set pieces, both delivering corners from his side, and got on the end of one by Saka in the 26th minute that he headed just over the crossbar, a very good chance.
Brilliantly bodied Ian Maatsen off the ball as the Villa full-back was making a run into the penalty area, did well not to concede a penalty. Was withdrawn shortly after to get fresh legs in the match.
Right winger: Bukayo Saka — 8
A menace to defend throughout the game, as he got on the ball repeatedly in the attacking third, including multiple penalty-area touches.
Seemingly won a penalty shortly before the hour mark, but VAR wiped it away as the foul occurred just outside the area. Found the opener shortly after as he crashed home a messy goal after good work from Mosquera, Eze, and Calafiori.
Watch Bukayo Saka goal in USA:
SAKA SCORES 🚨
On the scoresheet for the second time this season already 👏
🟣 Aston Villa: 0
🟡 Arsenal: 1
⏱️ 58’ pic.twitter.com/7EbUkcj4w3
Gave the ball away in the 80th minute, but tracked back defensively as he's known to do, dispossessing Alejandro Garnacho to stop the move.
This section will be updated as the match progresses and the player looks to have an impact on the game.
Striker: Kai Havertz — 5
Missed a huge chance in the 14th minute from a tight angle, but was leaning just offside anyways. Delivered an excellent ball to Bukayo Saka in the 25th minute that nearly unlocked the Aston Villa defense but won a corner in the end.
Just seven touches in the first half, had very little influence on the match which saw neither team find a shot on target through the opening 45 minutes.
This section will be updated as the match progresses and the player looks to have an impact on the game.
Left winger: Christos Tzolis — 4
Relatively invisible through the first 20 minutes of the game, although he contributed some in the defensive half. Struggled to get by Matty Cash, and fouled the Aston Villa full-back midway through the first half that resulted in a booking.
Rightly hooked at halftime in favor of Eberechi Eze.
Arsenal substitutes vs. Aston Villa45th min — Eberechi Eze: Grade pending
Entered in place of a struggling Christos Tzolis at halftime. In great position to deliver the second-assist on Bukayo Saka's opening goal that saw multiple Gunners contribute effectively.
71st min — Bruno Guimaraes: Grade pending
Entered with 20 minutes to go in place of Martin Odegaard.
71st min — Mikel Merino: Grade pending
Entered with 20 minutes to go in place of Myles Lewis-Skelly.
78th min — Ezri Konsa: Grade pending
Came on for his Arsenal debut to replace an injured Cristhian Mosquera with 12 minutes to go. Got a mixed reception from his former club.
85th min — Martin Zubimendi: Grade pending
Entered late for Declan Rice.
This section will be updated as the game progresses and Mikel Arteta brings players into the match off the bench.
Arsenal coach vs. Aston VillaMikel Arteta: Grade pending
This section will be updated with an evaluation of the Arsenal coaching performance after full-time once the match can be successfully processed in full.
MORE PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS:
- Live Premier League top goal scorers table for 2026/27 season
- Premier League clean sheets tracker for 2026/27 Golden Glove award
- Premier League winners and losers from 2026 summer transfer window
Goalkeeper: Zion Suzuki — 5
Having earned a summer move to the Premier League after a strong performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for Japan, Suzuki has big shoes to fill, making his Aston Villa debut in place of the departed Emi Martinez.
Didn't have anything to do between the sticks in the first half as Arsenal failed to get a shot on target, and was mediocre on the ball.
This section will be updated as the match progresses and the player looks to have an impact on the game.
Right-back: Matty Cash — 7
Was everywhere throughout the first half, both at the back and up in possession. Did very well defending Christos Tzolis, and managed to get forward as well. Won a foul by Tzolis that saw the Arsenal winger booked 29 minutes in.
This section will be updated as the match progresses and the player looks to have an impact on the game.
Right center-back: Victor Lindelof — 6
Defended bravely throughout the match, as he prevented Arsenal from building through the middle.
Struggled to have any influence in possession, with just 14 first-half touches.
This section will be updated as the match progresses and the player looks to have an impact on the game.
Left center-back: Pau Torres — 6
Excellent defensively, routinely keeping Kai Havertz quiet throughout the first half.
On the ball, Torres was a mixed bag. His 22 touches made him the preferred defender to begin the build-up, but he only completed 11 of 17 first-half passes, which is extremely poor for a defender, especially considering only three of those misses were long.
This section will be updated as the match progresses and the player looks to have an impact on the game.
Left-back: Ian Maatsen — 8
Had tons of defending to do as he looked to keep a lid on Bukayo Saka with little success, but managed to get forward in transition at times. Saw a shot in the 27th minute go just wide. Nearly had the opener as a 43rd-minute cross was just out of reach, and it was surprising not to see him give it more of an effort on the run.
Was whistled for a penalty to Arsenal after a foul on Bukayo Saka, but was let off the hook as VAR determined it occurred outside the 18-yard box. It would have been a very harsh penalty.
This section will be updated as the match progresses and the player looks to have an impact on the game.
Central midfielder: Boubacar Kamara — 6
Absolutely mugged Riccardo Calafiori to create the chance that saw Emi Buendia strike the post. It was most definitely a foul, but credit to Kamara for staying with it and making something happen. Unfortunately, that led to more overtly physical play shortly after, which the referee was now wise to. Needed to show more in possession to have an impact on the match.
This section will be updated as the match progresses and the player looks to have an impact on the game.
Central midfielder: Ross Barkley — 7
With new signing Leon Goretzka not quite up to speed yet, Ross Barkley got the start in midfield for Aston Villa.
Barkley was safe in possession, but his real starring role was defensively, where he routinely blew up Arsenal build-up or forced them out wide. He logged five first-half defensive contributions.
This section will be updated as the match progresses and the player looks to have an impact on the game.
Right winger: John McGinn — 7
In classic John McGinn fashion, he displayed exceptional work rate from the opening whistle, winning fouls in midfield and tracking back to put in good defensive work in keeping Arsenal from going long.
Faded a good bit as the match went on, and got booked with 10 minutes left for an ugly one through the back of Mikel Merino.
This section will be updated as the match progresses and the player looks to have an impact on the game.
Attacking midfielder: Emi Buendia — 8
Looked very bright in possession, combining with teammates when Aston Villa got forward. Struck the bar from long range with a sensational strike in the 12th minute.
Also contributed some defensively, and won some aerial duels as well. A great all-around performance, given Aston Villa struggled to maintain long spells of possession.
This section will be updated as the match progresses and the player looks to have an impact on the game.
Left winger: George Hemmings — 4
The 19-year-old had barely a sniff on the ball in the opening quarter of the match, as Emi Buendia was the main ball carrier in the build-up. Didn't do much with his 10 first-half touches.
Finally got more involved after Arsenal went in front, but failed to execute the moments that fell to him.
This section will be updated as the match progresses and the player looks to have an impact on the game.
Striker: Nicolas Jackson — 5
The former Chelsea striker makes his Aston Villa debut, having joined from the London club this summer for €55 million, hoping to replace Ollie Watkins at the head of Unai Emery's specialised formation.
Through the first 20 minutes of the game, he was a complete non-factor, even as Aston Villa looked to work the ball forward both in transition and in possession.
Aston Villa substitutes vs. Arsenal71st min — Tammy Abraham: Grade pending
Entered with 20 minutes to go in place of Nicolas Jackson.
71st min — Alysson Edward: Grade pending
Entered with 20 minutes to go in place of George Hemmings. Got weirdly booked for a foul on Gabriel.
78th min — Alejandro Garnacho: Grade pending
Came on with just over 10 minutes left to replace Ross Barkley.
78th min — Aaron Wan-Bissaka: Grade pending
Came on with just over 10 minutes left to replace Matty Cash.
This section will be updated as the game progresses and Unai Emery brings players into the match off the bench.
Aston Villa coach vs. ArsenalUnai Emery: Grade pending
This section will be updated with an evaluation of the Arsenal coaching performance after full-time once the match can be successfully processed in full.
Leave a Comment