Arsenal-Aston Villa: Player Ratings

It was always going to be a tough challenge for the Arsenal faithful. Taking on a hungry, revenge-seeking Aston Villa, at home. Arsenal are entering a very difficult number of games, which for a strong title challenge, need to be won. 

As usual Arsenal were without a number of key players due to injury and they would go on to lose a few more. Arsenal were never really settled but did squander some vital challenges. The Gunners were also lucky not to concede when some rash defending made even Arsene Wenger go red with embarrassment.

It turned out to be a goal-less yet highly entertaining encounter, which in the end was a fair result.

Player Ratings 

Manuel Almunia: 6

An up-and-down performance. Made some brilliant and vital saves but is too nervy on corners and needs to grasp when and when not to come out of his area.

Bacary Sagna: 6

Was his usual solid self at the back, was rarely troubled bar a few occasions...Helps out in attack but not to a great extent.

William Gallas: 6.5

Solid from the Frenchman. Dealt well with Emile Heskey's big, imposing presence and wasn't too afraid to get forward.

Thomas Vermaelen: 5

Struggled to cope with the Villa attack and then sadly picked up an injury.

Gael Clichy: 5

Deary me Clichy! Was torn apart by the threatening Ashley Young and also failed to clear on occasions. Still not 100 percent fit either.

Denilson: 5.5

Some sloppy errors saw him give the ball up too easily and failed to add the strength and presence that Song offers. May be forced onto the bench when Song and Diaby return.

Aaron Ramsey: 5

Lost the ball too often, barely contributed in defence, and looked out of sorts. Though the experience will be good for the Welsh youngster. 

Cesc Fabregas: 6.5

Tried hard but failed to make a real impact. Glimpses of brilliance and was unlucky not to get on the score sheet when the Spaniard hit the post. 

Tomas Rosicky: 5.5

Lacklustre from the Czech. Tried to make things happen but failed and ended up being a bit of a liability.

Andrei Arshavin: 6.5

Worked hard and looked the best bet for a goal but seemed to fail at the final third. Some tidy and strong runs, however.

Eduardo Da Silva: 5

Slow and ineffective. Obviously fatigued from the workload the Croatian has been carrying and then sadly picked up an injury.

Substitutes

Sol Campbell: 7

Quite frankly the best Arsenal performer. Came on for the injured Vermaelen and looked like a fresh teenage prospect. Dealt with the Villa attack with ease and wasn't afraid to lead the young side.

Nicklas Bendtner: 6

Rusty but considering the Dane's lengthy layoff, not bad. The lanky striker's control was a little off but showed he can become a big attacking threat when fully fit.

Samir Nasri: 6

Sparked a few attacks and looked dangerous with the ball. Sadly not fit enough to start.