Winners
Jorginho
Is that the biggest moment of a former Chelsea player in an Arsenal shirt? I was racking my brains trying to painfully think back through Willian, Petr Cech and David Luiz’s moments but I’ve given up and the irony is the Italian won’t even be credited with the goal.
Outside of the brilliant strike, Jorginho again was controlled and influential in the way Arsenal played throughout the game. He played some key incisive passes but frankly, everything is just focused on his game-winning moment.
There had been so much doubt surrounding Jorginho from some supporters when he arrived. Simply put, he’s done a very good job indeed and of the available options in the market Arsenal have brought in a solid addition to cover Thomas Partey’s absence.
READ MORE: Aston Villa vs Arsenal highlights: Martinez own goal and Martinelli hand Gunners late victory
Oleksandr Zinchenko
A first Premier League goal for Oleksandr Zinchenko and I finally got the answer to my question about how he might celebrate an Arsenal goal. I wasn’t disappointed.
I found myself frustrated with his first-half performance but the second period confirmed why Mikel Arteta has such faith in his starting XI stalwart. With progression, composure and clinical finishing when it mattered, Zinchenko proved absolutely critical to winning this game.
Aaron Ramsdale
Having faced some crucial questions in the game against Aston Villa, Aaron Ramsdale popped up with a monumental game-saving moment toward the end of the second half. Leon Bailey was sent through on goal and struck a right-footed drive near-post that Ramsdale palmed onto the upright.
A brilliant moment that in the context of what would transpire cannot be understated in its importance. Considering there had been some eyes starting to focus on the England international, it’s a scenario that was perfect for him.
Losers
Emi Martinez
I cannot explain how fulfilling it was to see Emi Martinez who had purposely time-wasted for so much of the game score an own goal in the final moments of this game. His little patronising stroke of Eddie Nketiah’s head, the last-second picking up of the ball, the punching of the air and so on and so forth.
Four goals conceded and the back of his head directly contributing to Arsenal’s return to the top of the league table, I couldn’t ask for more. The Arsenal supporters enjoyed themselves as well, serenading the Argentinian international with critical comparisons to Aaron Ramsdale.
Granit Xhaka
It was a difficult performance from Granit Xhaka. Arsenal lacked so much energy and efficiency in the first half against Aston Villa and the Swiss international was unfortunately a culprit in restricting much of that.
Misplaced passes and wrong decisions peppered his display, which is a shame considering how good and how integral he has been to this Arsenal team. Fabio Vieira’s arrival saw a greater frequency of chances created in the final third but admittedly the Gunners looked so much more vulnerable on the counter.
It is a balance with fitness, rotation and situation that Mikel Arteta must find. However, this time, Arsenal managed to get away with some below-par displays and Xhaka now has a full week to recharge.
Eddie Nketiah
Missing the one-on-one in such a moment at 2-2 was a massive disappointment and were it not for the result falling in the Gunners' favour Eddie Nketiah might have received greater scrutiny. There’s such a willingness from those watching to see Nketiah grab his goal and prove the doubters wrong but these situations need to bear fruit and in the last four games the number 14 has needed to be the difference for Arsenal and that’s just not happened.
Gabriel Jesus is closing on a return, Arsenal will hope in the coming weeks, and where before many felt the Brazilian might struggle to reclaim his place, it may not be so difficult. Mikel Arteta, like with Zinchenko, clearly has his favourites and Jesus’ return is sure to have a dramatic effect on Nketiah’s available minutes.
READ NEXT:
Arsenal player ratings vs Aston Villa as White good, Saka shows fight, Martinelli impact
'Best player we ever signed from Chelsea' - Arsenal fans heap praise on Jorginho vs Aston Villa
Mikel Arteta explains why he dropped Gabriel Martinelli for Arsenal's clash vs Aston Villa
Arsenal fans react to Granit Xhaka and Oleksandr Zinchenko displays vs Villa
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
