Arsenal ratings: Bukayo Saka the game-changer once more as hotheaded Christos Tzolis hooked at half-time

BUKAYO SAKA fired Arsenal to a narrow victory over Aston Villa as the Gunners continued their perfect start to the season. Mikel Arteta‘s side ground out a close-fought 1-0 victory at Villa Park after a first half that lacked any real spark. Bukayo Saka scored as Arsenal saw off Aston Villa away from home Credit: Reuters The Gunners had to work hard for their three points Credit: Reuters Saka’s tap-in second-half tap-in was the difference for Arsenal, who are yet to concede a goal this season. There was also a debut for Ezri Konsa, who played just over 10 minutes against his former club following his £51m move earlier in the window. Sign up for the Arsenal newsletter Thank you! Here’s how SunSport Arsenal reporter rated each individual Gunners performance… DAVID RAYA – 7 Had to sweep up a lot of danger in the early exchanges as Villa tried to exploit Arsenal’s high line. His anticipation makes him prevent opportunities from arising before he even has to face the shot. BEN WHITE – 6 A difficult game at times for the full-back, who struggled to deal with George Hemmings and Ian Maatsen in the first half. It was not a disaster by any stretch, but there is a clear gap in quality between White and Jurrien Timber. Arsenal fans will be hoping the Dutchman is back sooner rather than later. Most read in Sport Ben White struggled at times in the first half Credit: PA BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK CRISTHIAN MOSQUERA – 7 Trusted over new signing Ezri Konsa from the off after an impressive showing against Coventry last time out. And his line-splitting pass to start the passage that led to Arsenal’s opener. The Spaniard is playing like he knows there’s a £55m signing sat on the bench after his shirt. GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 7 Some good work from the Brazilian to sweep up loose balls and clear away danger caused by his teammates at times. But there were one or two hairy moments of his own throughout the 90 minutes, too. RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 8 John McGinn said in midweek that Calafiori is one of the most difficult opponents he has faced in the Premier League, which could explain why he gave the Italian a boot to the face. Despite the dizzying knock, it was the Italian who slid the pass across for Saka to poke home Arsenal’s opening goal – his second assist of the season. Calafiori is looking dangerous already and put in another top performance here. Riccardo Calafiori took a boot to the face from John McGinn Credit: Reuters Cristhian Mosquera put in another good performance Credit: Getty DECLAN RICE – 7 Like most of the Arsenal players, Rice was off the boil in the first half. But the England ace was everywhere in the second 45 minutes, picking up loose balls, driving the team forward and making crucial interventions. MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 7 Even with £75m man Bruno Guimaraes back in the squad, Arteta trusted Lewis-Skelly in midfield once again. This was another combative performance that shows that he is already a Premier League proven midfielder at just 19 years old. MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6 The Gunners captain has been back to his best in the first few games, but didn’t quite replicate that performance at Villa Park. There were still some exciting moments from the Norwegian, whose dancing feet are always a threat. Martin Odegaard wasn’t ticking quite like his last two performances Credit: Getty Myles Lewis-Skelly impressed in midfield again Credit: PA BUKAYO SAKA – 8 In a game where Arsenal offered very little threat going forward, Saka stepped up to the plate to be a difference-maker. Arsenal missed their ‘star boy’ last season as he had an poor campaign by his usual high standards. But he now has two goals in two games and looks ready to take this season by the scruff of the neck. CHRISTOS TZOLIS – 4 After two brilliant showings against Coventry and Manchester City, Tzolis was well off the mark in Birmingham. The Greek winger struggled to get the better of Matty Cash and was lucky not to be sent off for frustration-fuelled totting up in the first half. Arteta decided his night was over anyway, hooking him for Ebere Eze. With Leandro Trossard already out of the door and Gabriel Martinelli soon to join Al-Hilal, Arteta must be banging down the door to bring in another option off the left before Tuesday’s transfer deadline. Christos Tzolis was hooked at half-time after a difficult first half Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Saka turned home Arsenal’s goal Credit: PA KAI HAVERTZ – 6 The German has started all three of Arsenal’s opening games ahead of Viktor Gyokeres, a telling sign of Arteta’s pecking order up front. However, Havertz wasn’t at his best as he failed to make the most of a handful of opportunities and found himself offside THREE times. SUBSTITUTES EBERE EZE (for Tzolis, 45min) – 7 Arteta is short on back-up left wing options due to Arsenal’s transfer business this summer, and Eze looks like he will have to play off that flank if another name isn’t brought in before the deadline. If this was an audition, he certainly earned a callback. Eze offered chaos between the lines when Arsenal were being patient in their attacks and played a crucial part in Saka’s goal. BRUNO GUIMARAES (for Guimaraes, 70min) – 6 A good showing as Arsenal fans got a first look at their £75m signing in the Premier League. MIKEL MERINO (for Odegaard, 70min) – 6 Replaced Odegaard and offered more physicality in midfield as Arsenal tried to see out the game. EZRI KONSA (for Mosquera, 79min) – 6 A solid debut cameo against his former club after Mosquera was forced off with injury late in the game. MARTIN ZUBIMENDI (for Rice, 85min) – N/A Ebere Eze offered Arsenal some spark off the bench Credit: Getty Ezri Konsa made his debut against his former club Credit: Getty Comment now