John Townley's Aston Villa player ratings with 8s and 9s as Arsenal stunned at Emirates

Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive as Unai Emery's side beat Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium with goals from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa claimed a memorable victory against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, beating the Premier League title challengers 2-0 to boost their hopes of qualifying for Champions League football this season.

Leon Bailey came off the bench to break the deadlock in the 84th minute, before Ollie Watkins doubled Villa’s advantage moments later. The victory ensures Villa have now claimed their third Premier League double over Arsenal, having done so in 1992-93 and 2020-21.

Villa fully deserved their 19th league win of the season, but it looked like it was going to be one of those days after Ollie Watkins and Youri Tielemans both hit the woodwork either side of half-time.

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After Arsenal dominated possession in Villa’s half in the first period, Ollie Watkins was presented with a chance to put the visitors in front, but his strike across goal hit the post. Down the other end, Emi Martinez made a world class save to deny Leandro Trossard from close range after Gabriel Jesus rolled the ball across the box.

Youri Tielemans came just as close as Watkins to breaking the deadlock when he tried to pick out the top corner from the edge of the box on the hour mark. His effort struck the bar and came off the post.

The hosts didn’t trouble Martinez before Bailey scored the opening goal, tapping in at the far post from Lucas Digne’s excellent cross. Watkins then wrapped up the points after being played through by Tielemans and clipping the ball over David Raya.

Attention now turns to Thursday’s Europa Conference League quarter-final second leg against Lille at the Stade Pierre Mauroy. Villa will take a slender advantage to France after beating the Ligue 1 side 2-1 at Villa Park in the first leg.

Player ratings

Emi Martinez

Made an outstanding save to deny Trossard late in the first half when all the winger had to do was to tap-in Jesus' cross. He's always a safe pair of hands between the sticks for Villa. 9

Ezri Konsa

Dealt with Trossard's threat on the wing and helped Villa build-up from the back under pressure from Arsenal's press. 8

Diego Carlos

Carlos defended well throughout against the likes of Jesus and Havertz, who kept making dangerous runs from midfield. He was colossal in the box clearing balls and making his presence known in battles against Jesus. 8

Pau Torres

Allowed Villa to breathe after being under pressure for large parts of the games. He brought Villa forward in possession. 8

Lucas Digne

He had the unenviable task of dealing with Saka. The winger constantly ran off Digne's shoulder - his movement is exceptional. It was another impressive display from Digne whose cross enabled Bailey to score the opener. 8

Youri Tielemans

Tielemans used the ball well this afternoon and picked up good positions to receive the ball. Produced an outstanding effort on the hour mark after tackling Zinchenko. He curled the ball towards the top corner, but the ball came back off the bar and then the post. The Belgian played a inch-perfect pass into Watkins' stride for Villa's second. 9

John McGinn

Operated deep alongside Tielemans and his physicality was needed against a fantastic Arsenal midfield. The Scot put in a top performance today - it was needed. 9*

Moussa Diaby

This was never going to be a game in which Diaby was going to be allowed a run at his full-back every few minutes. He wasn't involved in the first half for large parts, but his pace was a concern for Zinchenko. 7

Morgan Rogers

Battled well against a top Arsenal defence, who have the best defensive record in the division for a reason. Worked his socks off out of possession. 7

Nicolo Zaniolo

Impressed in the first half as he put himself about and combined well with Rogers in the final third. This was Zaniolo's best performance in a Villa shirt. 7

Ollie Watkins

Watkins struck the post just minutes before half-time as he tried to pick out the far corner after a defensive mix-up from Arsenal presented the opportunity. Arsenal should've known better than to leave him unmarked in his own half - his finish oozed of class. 8

SUBS

Leon Bailey (for Diaby, 61'): Scored the all-important opening goal of the game. It wasn't an easy finish on his weaker side at a tight angle. 7

Alex Moreno (for Zaniolo, 80': N/A

Subs not used: Olsen, Cash, Chambers, Lenglet, Duran, Kesler-Hayden, Iroegbunam.

GOALS

Arsenal: N/A

Aston Villa: Bailey (84'), Watkins (87')

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