Arsenal Player Ratings vs. Aston Villa

Manuel Almunia (5.5) Was too nervy when defending set pieces. A few good saves that kept Arsenal in the game, but overall was not that confident or strong. Needs to work on defending corners, he needs to either go out or stay in the goal, not go halfway.

Bacary Sanga (8.5) A superb effort from the reliable Frenchmen who was easily Arsenal's best performer. Made a dozen or so amazing tackles, kept the talented Ashley Young quiet, and saved three certain goals. Attacked strongly as well. If Arsenal did not have their talented right-back, who knows where they would be.

Kolo Toure (6) Not too bad from the Ivorian. At times defended well, but his headers and clearances were awful at times. Needs to communicate more with his fellow defenders.

William Gallas (3.5) If you want to blame the draw on someone, then blame it on William Gallas. He made the most stupid tackle on Gabriel Abonglahor, which resulted in a penalty, which then resulted in a goal, which then resulted in letting Aston Villa back in the game. Go away Gallas.

Mikeal Silvestre (5.5) Did not play that well, but to be fair to the Frenchmen, left-back is not his usual position. Did pull off a fantastic header to deny a certain Villa goal, but apart from that did not do too well. His defending was like his attack, poor.

Emmanuel Eboue (6.5) A solid performance, which will inject much needed confidence back into the Ivorian's game. He was once again playing out of position but he was strong and solid. His passes did not go astray and he was very dangerous at times in attack.

Alexandre Song (6) Was forced off injured just before the half-time break. Made a few errors but showed some great muscle and play-making skills. Hopefully not out for too long.

Denilson (8) A great game from the young Brazilian. Stepped up in Fabregas' absence and showed great mid-fielding and passing skills. His passing was superb and so was his running on and off the ball. Scored a fantastic goal to cap off a great game.

Samir Nasri (6) Was too quiet and uninvolved and it was no surprise to see him taken off. Did look good at times when he had the ball, and his running skills are of the highest class. Needs to go looking for the ball more.

Abou Diaby (8) A fantastic performance from Diaby. He showed strength, balance, power, skill, and great maturity. Stepped up in Fabregas' absence and had a touch of Vieria and Zidane about him. Scored a fantastic goal.

Robin van Persie (6.5) Like Samir Nasri, needed to see more ball. Was put upfront by himself and needed to work harder. His work ethic, which is normally very good, was not there and it showed as he did not really do enough upfront. Hit the post with a good effort.

Substitutes

Aaron Ramsey (5.5) Some thought he was ready for more first team action but he is not. His lack of experience showed as he lost the ball too often and his passes went astray.

Gael Clichy N/A