Aston Villa narrowed the gap to league leaders Arsenal to a mere three points after Emi Buendia clinched a ninth consecutive home victory with the final kick of the match. Matty Cash broke the deadlock 10 minutes before the interval, striking from Pau Torres’ cross, but Leandro Trossard levelled the score early in the second half.
Buendia, a second-half substitute, sent Villa Park into ecstasy by slipping the ball past David Raya following a scramble in the box. This triumph extends Villa’s winning run at Villa Park to nine matches, and they have now emerged victorious in 13 of their last 15 games since their draw at Sunderland in September. Express Sport rates and slates the Villans…
Aston Villa player ratings
Emi Martinez – 8
Made a straightforward save in the ninth minute to thwart Odegaard after the midfielder took a shot from outside the box, before fending off Saka’s attempt shortly afterwards. He managed to slow down Saka’s cross for the equaliser but couldn’t get a firm enough hand on it to stop the ball reaching Trossard, who netted. He also tipped Odegaard’s strike over the bar in the 69th minute.
Matty Cash – 9
Opened the scoring for Villa with an accurate strike past Raya at the back post, less than 10 minutes after Rice had blocked the right-back’s previous shot from a similar position. A constant menace on the overlap and vigilant defensively.
Ezri Konsa – 8
Stood his ground against Arsenal‘s height and physicality, defending his territory with calmness and handling crosses into the box well. Achieved a passing success rate of 100 per cent, completing 42 of his 42 passes.
Pau Torres – 8
Delivered the cross that fell nicely for Cash to score the opener. The left-sided centre-half also dealt with Saka effectively whenever the winger managed to confront him one-on-one, demonstrating excellent positioning.
Ian Maatsen – 7
Retained his spot in the side, starting consecutive league matches for the first time this season. He pushed forward on several occasions, carrying possession confidently. Provides a very different threat to Lucas Digne, bringing more dynamism in transition.
Boubacar Kamara – 8
Kamara was, as always, ready for the challenge. Against one of Europe’s top midfields, he was resolute in his determination to triumph with Onana by his side and Tielemans further up the field. He should have passed the ball to Watkins sooner after winning it high up the pitch just past the hour mark, but he later made a vital block to deny Saka’s shot on goal in the 70th minute.
Amadou Onana – 8
Onana executed several clean tackles, even if referee Peter Bankes didn’t always concur. He has shown significant improvement this season and is emerging as a much more accomplished midfielder. Precisely the type of player you’d want to bring into a game of this magnitude against Arsenal. He only misplaced one of the 26 passes he attempted.
John McGinn – 8
McGinn superbly held off Calafiori before setting Watkins loose in the box, though the striker was thwarted by Raya after outmanoeuvring both Arsenal centre-backs. He also delivered a superb ball behind for Cash but the full-back couldn’t capitalise on the opportunity.
Youri Tielemans – 8
Tielemans sees situations that other players do not, often playing as if he has eyes in the back of his head. He kept the game flowing smoothly and was consistently one step ahead of several Arsenal players. Composed, astute, and influential.
Morgan Rogers – 8
Rogers crafted a superb opportunity for Cash in the first half, but the right-back’s shot was thwarted by Rice. His physical presence was beneficial in the final third, and he offered moments of genuine quality for his team-mates. The England international’s strength and ball-carrying posed issues for Arsenal.
Ollie Watkins – 7
Prior to today, Watkins had netted six goals in 10 Premier League matches against Arsenal, only scoring more against Brighton. He nearly added to that record early on, outpacing both centre-backs before seeing his weaker-footed shot saved by Raya. His touch was occasionally loose, but his runs behind continued to pose a significant threat to Arsenal’s defence.
Substitutes
Donyell Malen (for Watkins) – 7
Malen sent the ball wide of the post after being given the chance to regain the lead, but assisted in keeping play alive before Buendia scored the winner.
Jadon Sancho (for McGinn) – N/A
Lamare Bogarde (for Onana) – N/A
Emi Buendia (for Cash) – 9
Match-winner Buendia. What a moment – undoubtedly one of the highlights of his career so far.
Victor Lindelof (for Torres) – N/A