Villarreal 2-1 Arsenal: Player Ratings as 10-man Gunners lose in Spain | UEFA Europa League 2020-21

Ratings of Arsenal against Villarreal

Nicolas Pepe netted Arsenal's goal against Villarreal.

Bernd Leno: 5.5/10

Unlike in the match against Everton, Arsenal custodian Bernd Leno could do very little about the two goals he conceded against Villarreal. Overall, he did well to deny Villarreal from extending their lead.

Calum Chambers: 5/10

Calum Chambers had plenty of time on the ball but failed to contribute much to Arsenal's attack. His link-up play with Saka was not good enough as well. However, the English international deserves some credit for his good work in the Arsenal defence.

Rob Holding: 5/10

Defensively, Rob Holding did not make too many mistakes. However, he squandered a couple of chances to score at the other end of the field.

Pablo Mari: 4/10

Pablo Mari was too slow for Villarreal's quick attackers on the night. He was often caught out of position and may not start the return fixture next week.

Granit Xhaka: 5/10

The Swiss international could not quite cope with the constant pressure from Chukwueze, as he was beaten far too often by the Nigerian. With Kieran Tierney expected to be fit soon, Granit Xhaka could return to the Arsenal midfield for the next game.

Thomas Partey: 5/10

Without his regular midfield partner Xhaka, Thomas Partey struggled to be as effective as Mikel Arteta would have wanted him to be.

Partey's shots on goal flew wide on the night. The defensive midfielder was also partly at fault for Villarreal's first goal, as he failed to clear the ball in time.

Dani Ceballos: 2/10

Dani Ceballos was totally overrun by Villarreal and hardly exerted any influence on the game. On his return to Spain, the Real Madrid loanee was duly awarded a second yellow in the second half and left the pitch.

It was an absolutely abysmal performance from Ceballos, who has now become a liability for Arsenal.

Arsenal have now received 10 red cards in 68 Premier League & Europa League games since Mikel Arteta took charge of the club.Self-imploding... again. #UEL pic.twitter.com/gPsNObuEBj

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 29, 2021

Bukayo Saka: 5.5/10

While Bukayo Saka was close to silent in the first half, he sprung into action when required and won a penalty for Arsenal. It was certainly not his best game, but the youngster's contribution aided Arsenal's efforts in getting onto the scoresheet.

Emile Smith Rowe: 5/10

Aside from the opening few minutes, Emile Smith Rowe had very few moments on the ball after being played out of position. He lost possession four times in the first 45 minutes, had just 16 touches and created zero chances for Arsenal.

In the second half, Smith Rowe became more involved in the game and made some crucial interceptions at the back too.

Martin Odegaard: 4/10

Like Ceballos, Martin Odegaard endured a poor night in Spain. The midfielder created very few chances for Arsenal and gradually became anonymous as the game wore on.

Nicolas Pepe: 6/10

Leading the line in Arsenal's attack, Nicolas Pepe earned a penalty in the first 45 minutes. But that was overturned by the video assistant referee for a handball in the build-up. After Saka won another penalty for Arsenal, the Ivory Coast international made no mistake from the spot as he netted a crucial away goal.

10 - Nicolas Pépé has been involved in more Europa League goals than any other player this season (6 goals, 4 assists). Lifeline. #UEL

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 29, 2021

Ratings of Arsenal substitutes against Villarreal

Gabriel Martinelli: 5/10

Gabriel Martinelli had a quiet game, but his presence helped Arsenal venture forward and attempt to penetrate Villarreal's defence more frequently.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: N/A

Returning from his illness, Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang replaced Bukayo Saka in the 85th minute of the match. Aubameyang nearly made it 2-2 for Arsenal, but his effort was blocked by the Villarreal goalkeeper.

Willian: N/A

Willian came on in the last few minutes of the game to swing in a corner, but that was ultimately headed wide.

Mohammed Elneny: N/A

Mohamed Elneny came on too late to make an impact on the game as Villarreal hung on.