Aston Villa player ratings from dramatic Arsenal draw with four 'emphatic' 8s but several 5s

Aston Villa planted a plot twist in the Premier League title race with a spirited comeback to draw 2-2 with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday night.

Youri Tielemans’ stunning diving header and Ollie Watkins’ thumping volley off the crossbar secured a vital point on the road for Unai Emery’s side after goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz had put Arsenal two ahead. Havertz thought he’d netted a last-gasp winner as a Mikel Merino shot deflected off him, but VAR intervened to disallow the goal for handball.

Mikel Arteta’s men set the tone early as they bombarded Villa’s box in the opening exchanges, swinging in hods of crosses and winning several corners in quick succession. Martinelli tested Emiliano Martinez with an instinctive sliding shot just three minutes in before Leandro Trossard had a long-range curler tipped away a short while later.

Martinelli rewarded Arsenal for their early pressure by breaking the deadlock in the 35th minute, converting from a driven Trossard cross. Boubacar Kamara was beaten too easily by Trossard and then Ian Maatsen allowed Martinelli goal-side in what was a moment of defensive madness from Villa.

The visitors were able to gain the odd moment of reprieve before the break. Maatsen had Villa’s first shot on target as he chopped and forced a strong right hand from David Raya. Ollie Watkins then went close with a speculative half-volley from 30 yards, latching onto a poor Thomas Partey throw-in and so nearly lobbing Raya.

Arsenal doubled their advantage shortly after half time as Havertz fired in first-time from a low Trossard cross. It was almost a carbon copy of the first goal as an Arsenal attacker - this time Havertz - was afforded space in the six-yard box and was able to convert in off the body of Martinez.

Villa should’ve been down and out but made a spirited response as Tielemans reduced the deficit on the hour mark with expert anticipation to head in from a deep Lucas Digne cross. It was so brave from Tielemans as he thrust his head at the ball at knee height; Mikel Merino’s outstretched boot was merely inches from the Villa goalscorer’s face.

Tielemans went agonisingly close to a dramatic brace just a minute later as he opened up his body but saw his low shot flick off the outside of the post. That near miss didn’t stop Villa’s momentum and it wasn’t long until Watkins fired the travelling support into bedlam in the far corner, volleying emphatically in off the crossbar from a terrific Matty Cash delivery to make it 2-2.

With parity restored and Arsenal frustrated, the game became very edgy and increasingly open in the closing stages. Villa had the momentum but both teams believed they could source a winner. The hosts nearly found just that as Merino struck for goal but his shot deflected off Havertz’s arm and in, so it was disallowed following a quick VAR check.

The drama wasn’t over as Martinez made two world-class saves in stoppage time, at first tipping a low Merino shot onto the post before somehow denying Trossard from point-blank range just a few moments later. The spoils were shared in the end at the Emirates but Villa will definitely leave the happier of the two teams. Arsenal, meanwhile, will long be pondering just how they let what should’ve been an insurmountable lead, slip.

Player ratings

Emiliano Martinez - 8

Somehow kept out two close-range shots right at the end, denying Merino and Trossard. Made three impressive stops in the first half, too, saving two Martinelli efforts and another from Trossard. Couldn’t quite stop Martinelli’s opener despite his best attempt, though, and was well beaten by Havertz.

Matty Cash - 7

Credit where credit’s due, the assist for Watkins’ equaliser was incredible as the cross was pinpoint on his weak foot. Lacked a little defensively, however, as he was beaten by Trossard on a few occasions - notably just before Arsenal’s second.

Ezri Konsa - 6

Could’ve positioned himself better for the two goals as both came inside the six-yard box. Made a host of clearances to boost his rating.

Tyrone Mings - 7

The same point can be made about the goals but Mings was solid in the air once again, heading everything that came his way - even at chest height.

Ian Maatsen - 5 (off at HT)

Looked a threat going forward and forced an important save from Raya. Really struggled to deal with Martinelli, however, often beaten in foot races. Maatsen crucially allowed the winger goal-side for Arsenal’s opener and received a booking for tugging him down earlier on.

Boubacar Kamara - 6

Battled relentlessly to try and break up the play where possible with another physical display in the middle of the park. Did give away the odd foul and saw yellow, mind, and was skinned by Trossard before Martinelli’s goal.

Amadou Onana - 7 (off 36’)

Broke away from Odegaard on the half turn once or twice, progressing Villa up the field rapidly. Taken off with a strain of some sort.

Jacob Ramsey - 5 (off 85’)

Rather ineffective out on the left flank for the most part as he failed to beat his man and often passed backwards. Dispossessed a little too often.

Morgan Rogers - 5

Had the occasional drive forward but was unable to make his usual mark. Booked late on.

Youri Tielemans - 8

Scored a wonderful diving header to get Villa back into the game. Sent the likes of Watkins and Rogers away with several positive passes throughout.

Ollie Watkins - 8 (off 80’)

Scored a belter of a volley to earn the point and went close with an ambitious chip attempt. Held up the ball well in all respects, especially as he had limited support up top.

Subs:

Lamare Bogarde - 7 (on 36’)

A surprise pick off the bench to replace Onana and did a decent job at the base of midfield. Had a good chance late on but fired straight at Raya.

Lucas Digne - 8 (on at HT)

Did superbly to clear a low Lewis-Skelly cross out of the goalmouth and assisted Tielemans’ header with a brilliant delivery.