Scott Carson 6
May have had slight chance to save both goals but did everything else efficiently.
Wilfred Bouma (sub:76) 7
Looked strong and composed throughout the game.
Martin Laursen 7
Commanding as usual and nearly scored in second half.
Zat Knight 6
Didnt have much to do in second half and allowed a lot of freedom to Arsenal's attacking players in the first. Average performance.
Olof Mellberg 7
Another committed performance from the Swede with a couple of promising surges forward.
Gareth Barry 8
Played captain's role well in urging the troops on in the second half. Played a part in the Villa goal.
Stilian Petrov (Sub: 32) 6
Started the game brightly showing unusual grit but went off injured when the scores were level.
Craig Gardner 6
Scored the opener but didnt figure too much after that as Flamini over-ran him in midfield.
Ashley Young 8
Villa-Mad man of the match: Constant threat from the left wing and the Gunners just could not deal with his set-piece deliveries.
John Carew 7
Strong performance as everything seemed be aimed at him and he reacted with some useful flick-ons. Needs to work on his first touch.
Gabriel Agbonlahor 6
Unlucky to be moved to the right of midfield after Petrov went off and didnt have his usual electric impact.
Substitutes:
Shaun Maloney 7
Typically creative and showed his brilliant close control throughout
Patrik Berger 6
Not given much time to exert himself though he did test Almunia with a slippery low drive.