Arsenal vs. Aston Villa: Rating the Gunners Players in the FA Cup

What a game that was.

After a vicious and angry group of Arsenal supporters booed their side off the pitch at the end of the first half after Arsenal went down 2-0, our boys responded with an attacking master class in the second half, shredding Aston Villa's defence with ruthless determination.

First, it was Richard Dunne hauling down Aaron Ramsey in the penalty area and conceding a sloppy penalty while somehow avoiding a second yellow card and remaining on the pitch.

After Robin van Persie converted with a plomb into the bottom corner, a rare stroke of luck befell Arsenal when Theo Walcott created confusion in the Villa box and eventually ended up getting hit hard enough in the head with an attempted clearance to equalize for the Gunners,

From there, it was obvious that only one team could emerge victorious. Darren Bent conceded another penalty, and it was none other than van Persie again who stepped up to send Arsenal to the fifth round of the FA Cup.

This was the archetypal "game of two halves," and it is therefore quite difficult to rate the Arsenal players. But we must soldier on. Hopefully, this exhilarating victory will spark another good run of form for a beleaguered Arsenal team.

As always, if you disagree with my ratings, let me know in the comments.

Lukasz Fabianski: 6

When the Pole, who returned to the team for the first time since gashing his leg against Olympiakos in December, had something to do, he usually failed.

While he was not totally at fault for Villa's first goal, it highlighted his chronic problems from crosses, and his helpless flail as Richard Dunne's header flew over him showed why Wojciech Szczesny has taken his place and kept it.

He didn't show that he was much better on Darrent Bent's strike, but fortunately, Arsenal were able to make up for his errors.

Francis Coquelin: 7

Given the nod at right back over the not-yet-fully-fit Bacary Sagna, the French youth was quite effective both in defence and going forward, as he made a number of positive runs and contributed to Arsenal's attack as much as he got back to defend when necessary.

It was sometimes apparent, though, that he was playing out of position. But with Sagna's imminemt return to the Starting XI, the Gunners defence is about to get a lot more sturdy.

Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker: 7 and 6.5

Both of our central defenders generally did well, but there were too many inexplicable lapses that hurt Arsenal dearly, specifically when Mertesacker went to sleep to concede the corner that led to Villa's first goal.

But for the most part, our central defenders were effective and composed, advancing play well. Laurent Koscielny, in particular, deserves plaudits for his fantastic effort to push forward and eventually win the penalty that won Arsenal the match.

Thomas Vermaelen: 6.5

Somewhat surprisingly, the Belgian was not heavily involved in the match, but did quite well when he was called upon in defence and attack.

The highlight of his game arrived when Robin van Persie set him up off of a free kick, and Vermaelen launched a thunderbolt that parried itself off of Shay Given more than vice-versa. Eventually, one of those is going to have to go in.

Alex Song: 7

It was a typical game for Alex Song in defensive midfield. He defended well, got forward effectively many times and served as a good link between defence and attack.

Especially in the second half, when Arsenal pressed forward with all their might, Song was an integral part of the Gunners attack, and he helped his side to sustain their prolonged and intricate passing moves.

Tomas Rosicky: 8

I may not have given the little Czech due credit for his last performance against Manchester United, but I will certainly not overlook him now.

He was an essential part of almost every Arsenal foray forward, and all of his play was extremely positive, even when put under considerable duress. Rosicky was always there to make a run, play a pass or shoot when he managed to get into a good position, which he often did.

Aaron Ramsey: 7.5

In the first half, Ramsey looked every bit the tired, worn-out young player that many expected him to be after playing in almost all of Arsenal's matches due to a paucity of midfield options.

However, during the second half, the Welshman was extremely productive, and though he missed some shots which he should have executed better, he pushed the Gunners forward very well in his advanced midfield role.

Hopefully, he is allowed some rest when Arsenal take on Bolton in the near future to allow Ramsey to more consistently replicate his second half performance over the course of a full match.

Theo Walcott: 7.5

Walcott was his typical, frustrating, disappointing self during the first half, as he continuously flattered to deceive. After the break, though, Theo showed glimpses of the player we all know he can be. consistently threatening the Aston Villa defence with pacey, dangerous runs.

It was one such journey into the Villa defence that brought Arsenal's equalizer, as he singlehandedly caused such havoc around goal that Alan Hutton desperately swung at the ball, only to thump it onto Walcott's fortuitously placed head.

Man, can Theo be an infuriating player.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 7

While his performance on this occasion was not quite as good as his unfortunately abbreviated master class against Manchester United, "the Ox" was quite threatening and effective throughout the match, dribbling well and making the necessary incisive, searching passes.

He was not as heavily involved as Walcott, but he further strengthened his case to start on the left wing until Gervinho returns from the African Cup of Nations.

Robin van Persie: 9

There can be no other Man of the Match than the Dutchman, can there? Without van Persie's coolness and clinical instinct in front of goal, he would not have converted the two penalties that won the match for Arsenal.

The captain was heavily involved in Arsenal's play throughout the match and was clearly the most important cog in Arsenal's attack. When crunch time arrived, his precision and guile from 12 yards out sent Shay Given the wrong way twice.

There could never be any doubt of what would happen when the game was left to Robin van Persie.

Substitutes 

Mikel Arteta: 6

The Spaniard did well in his usual role of midfield glue, but there was not a great deal for him to do after he came on for Tomas Rosicky.

Thierry Henry: N/A

Bacary Sagna: N/A

Great to see Bac back, even though he only had a small cameo at the end of the match.

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