Arsenal 2-2 Aston Villa - PLAYER RATINGS: Leandro Trossard starred for the hosts but who set the tone for the visitors? And who looked hungry?
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Arsenal were held to a disappointing 2-2 draw by Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon, despite taking a two-goal lead. The Gunners went in 1-0 up at the break after Gabriel Martinelli prodded past Emiliano Martinez from close range, with Kai Havertz netting after the break to give the hosts a two-goal cushion.
![[Youri Tielemans got one goal back before Ollie Watkins levelled the tie from close range]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/18/19/94246219-0-image-a-2_1737227712258.jpg)
However, with Villa notably breaking Arsenal hearts at the Emirates last term, Youri Tielemans began the comeback with a header from inside the box to make it 2-1. Ollie Watkins, who grew up supporting Arsenal, then drew the visitors level with an emphatic first-time finish to set up a tense final phase of the game.
![[Mikel Arteta's side were once again frustrated by Unai Emery and Aston Villa in their title hunt]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/18/19/94246217-0-image-a-3_1737227715797.jpg)
Arsenal pressed Villa back and built up the phases outside the penalty area, but couldn't quite pick the lock, Unai Emery once again frustrating his former side. Here, Mail Sport's ISAAN KHAN runs the rule over the star performers from Saturday's clash, and those who perhaps could have contributed more for their sides.
![[Thomas Partey disrupted play but left Watkins alone to score Aston Villa's equalising goal]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/18/19/94247055-0-image-a-5_1737229892501.jpg)
Kai Havertz had given Arsenal a 2-0 lead after Gabriel Martinelli's opener before the break. Youri Tielemans got one goal back before Ollie Watkins levelled the tie from close range. Mikel Arteta's side were once again frustrated by Unai Emery and Aston Villa in their title hunt.
![[Jurrien Timber had to slot in at centre back rather than his regular position out on the flanks]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/18/19/94246465-0-image-a-4_1737229378428.jpg)
DAVID RAYA: 6. Kept alert for the Aston Villa counter-attacks, spearheaded by Ollie Watkins. Conceded twice. THOMAS PARTEY: 5.5. Did well to break up play but gifted Watkins with a chance vs Raya early on — and then left the striker alone to convert Matty Cash’s cross.
![[Arsenal's teenage left back Myles Lewis-Skelly put in yet another assured performance]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/18/19/94247061-0-image-a-7_1737229968878.jpg)
