Mat Ryan: Conceded before even making a touch on his debut for the club he supported as a boy, but could hardly do anything about it. Solid after, made a good save from Traore and an even better one from Grealish in the second half. The Arsenal back four's ears will still be ringing after the Australian's bellowed ceaselessly for 90 minutes. 7.
Hector Bellerin: A really frustrating day for the Spanish international. Did a decent job up against the threat of Jack Grealish but his passing and crossing going forward was abysmal. Bellerin himself will know he wasn't up to it today and could be seen jumping around in disappointment at one his many misplaced balls. 4.
Rob Holding: The Englishman had to be tighter to Watkins for his goal, and was turned easily by Traore for a chance in the second. Was unusually effective in the final third though and created a good opportunity for Pepe while providing a threat himself from set pieces. 5.
Gabriel: His confidence was clearly rocked after being caught on his toes for the opener, and he was slow to grow into the game as a result. Sucked in high up the pitch on a few occasions to give away cheap fouls on a couple of occasions. Was a threat from set pieces and looked more comfortable after getting a few blocks under his belt. 5.
Cedric: His weak pass to Gabriel was instrumental in the build up to Watkins goal and couldn't really recover after that. Struggled dealing with Traore and was wasteful in possession. The Portuguese is playing out of position in fairness to him, but Arsenal will hope to have Kieran Tierney back soon. 4.
Thomas Partey: A good physical presence in the midfield again and was harshly booked. His passing was a little wayward though and that was the same on Tuesday against Wolves. The fact that he limped off holding his thigh will be a worry for Arsenal too. 5.
Granit Xhaka: A great freekick was the highlight of a slow first half from Arsenal. The Swiss international was assured on the ball and dealt with all the multitude of attacking threats Villa had to offer. Xhaka is finiding form and consistency not seen during his Arsenal career so far. 7.
Bukayo Saka: The 19-year-old showed his versatility once again starting on the right wing and finishing the game at left back. Was dealt with well by Matt Targett and couldn't influence the game as he would have hoped when switched over to the left. 6.
Emile Smith Rowe: Constantly on the move and looking to drift into space but wasn't found enough by his Arsenal teammates. Actually looked better when switch over to the right once Odegaard came on in a sign of things to come. 6.
Nicolas Pepe: Busy on the ball and the most obvious goal threat for the Gunners in the match. Created some decent chances but was back to some his most frustrating stuff in the second holding on to the ball too often and having a few loose touches at key times. 7.
Alexandre Lacazette: A quiet game for the Frenchman who struggled to really get into the game. A good focal point and leader for the youngsters as always, but couldn't offer the goal threat we've seen in recent weeks. 5.
Substitutions -
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: Interestingly came on down the middle but again couldn't do much after coming on. Tyrone Mings defended his best chance well, but the Gabon international will need to do more if he wants to regain his starting place. 5.
Martin Odegaard: Improves Arsenal immediately after coming on but blazed his big chance over the bar. Proved he is capable of playing with Smith Rowe, and looks to be a good January addition from Mikel Arteta. 7.
Willian: Did very after coming on once again. Had a shot blocked and generally lurked on the left wing, but the decision to bring him on over Martinelli was a strange one. 5.
