That’s a massive result. Absolutely massive. Heading back down to Hitchin now, and we can all actually enjoy the weekend. Get in. While Layth’s at the wheel I’ve been given the duties of player ratings - so don’t blame him if I screw this up!

Leno 7/10 - A totally satisfactory performance from him. With Ramsdale missing, it was a really tough game for Leno to come back into the team for. Despite not having much to deal with in terms of shots on goal, he was commanding when he needed to be. It was fantastic to see the players all in a huddle with him at the centre after the final whistle too, it just shows how together this squad is. 

Cedric 8/10 - Again he was really good. Not a part of our ideal XI but he’s certainly proved himself to be an important part of this squad. Nothing came down that side really, and when it did it was dealt with. He also got forward fantastically in the first half and put in a couple of delicious crosses.

White 9/10 - Finally we have a couple of really good CBs. He’s fantastic on the ball, and aggressive in all the right ways when he needs to defend, nipping in front of strikers to knick the ball constantly. He dealt with Watkins, who can be a real nuisance, really well.

Gabriel 9/10 - I can’t separate these two in terms of their ratings. They’re a fantastic double act. Gabriel has improved enormously in terms of his on the ball play, as well as having the aerial presence and strength to partner it. Bargain.

Tierney 8/10 - I’ve not been his biggest fan recently, but today he was really good. Brilliant in his one on one defending, and also worked his socks off in order to provide an outlet on the left hand side.

Partey 10/10 - I don’t know how regularly Layth gives 10s out, but I feel Partey completely warrants one today. He was immense. Defensively he did brilliantly to break up Villa’s rare forays forward, whilst also was fantastic in his ball carrying. He’s Arsenal’s glue right now, and every game he's looking more and more like the Thomas Partey we thought we were signing. 

Xhaka 8/10 - Another almost flawless display from him. Ever since moving into this number 8 position, he’s been able to consistently be the midfielder we so rarely saw before. Calm on the ball, disciplined, and a really hard worker. Can't fault him recently. He also kept himself on the pitch having been booked which is really appreciated. 

Saka 8/10 - I love this boy. Even when he’s not at his best (which I didn’t think he was today) he finds a way to influence the game. Today it was the winner. He terrorised Young in the first half, who somehow managed to evade a booking. He looked really tired though, so this rest will be good for him. He deserves it.

Ødegaard 7/10 - An integral part of the fantastic football we play. He links everything up delightfully. He wasn’t at his best today, as we didn’t have much of the ball in the second half, but he worked so hard. He’s a really important part of the team defensively, as well as with all the creativity he provides.

ESR 7/10 - He didn’t have as much joy as I would’ve liked, but still there were moments where he was able to show his brilliance. His touch was immaculate, as he came inside and linked up with Xhaka, Laca, and Tierney really well. He also worked, as everyone did.

Laca 6/10 - Not his best game today. His touch wasn’t as good as it often is, and made a couple of poor decisions going forward - most notably when he shot instead of playing Ø late in the second half. He won the ball back a few times though, and as usual it’s very hard to fault his work rate. 

Subs

Pepe 6/10- He provided an outlet, a bit of pace, and had a couple of nice touches but nothing special really.

Nketiah 5/10 - He ran around, and that’s about all I can say. He kept slipping over, as well as making a couple of frustrating decisions to smash it long instead of hold it.

Holding N/A - I don’t actually know whether he touched the ball, but he was a presence!