Arsenal scored two late goals as they snatched a win against Aston Villa despite a poor performance.
The newly-promoted Premier League side dominated the early proceedings and got the goal they deserved through John McGinn.
Nicolas Pepe equalised with his first Arsenal goal as he netted a penalty. But Arsenal were level for just 90 seconds before Wesley put Aston Villa back in front.
Substitute Calum Chambers then netted another equaliser before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a stunning free-kick
Arsenal player ratings vs Aston Villa
Bernd Leno – 5
Couldn’t do much about either goal.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 2
Two first half yellow cards, the second for needlessly flying into a tackle.
David Luiz – 4
Inexplicably stepped up for McGinn’s goal. Another shaky performance.
Sokratis – 3
Awful attempt at play-acting in the first half and then let Jack Grealish waltz past for Villa’s second.
Sead Kolasinac – 5
Best performer in Arsenal’s back-line, not that it’s saying much.
Granit Xhaka – 3
Frustration got the better of him in the first half and Xhaka was booked for a needless foul on Jack Grealish. Meant to be the captain but showed nothing to back the armband up.
Matteo Guendouzi – 6
Earned the penalty that drew Arsenal level with a driving run into the box.
Dani Ceballos – 5
Was a chance for the Real Madrid loanee to shine. He didn’t.
Nicolas Pepe – 5
Grabbed his first Gunners goal with the leveller from the spot. Was quiet apart from that.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 5
Was getting more and more frustrated as the game wore on but showed his worth with a late winner with a sublime free-kick.
Bukayo Saka – 6
Bright start on his full Premier League debut. Unfortunate to see himself subbed at half-time after the red card.
Substitutes
Calum Chambers (for Saka 46) – 5
Didn’t improve Arsenal’s defence but did help their attack, scoring a second leveller.
Lucas Torreira (for Ceballos 72) – 5
Gave energy to the midfield as Arsenal pushed late on.
Joe Willock (for Xhaka 72) – 5
Helped the Gunners push as they snatched a win.