PLAYER RATINGS: One Arsenal star will be bitterly disappointed with himself

It may have been a pivotal weekend in the title race, with Mikel Arteta's side failing to make good their opportunity to go two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table after they were beaten 2-0 by Aston Villa.

Leon Bailey smashed a thumping low effort into the bottom left corner of the goal in the 83rd minute of the match after Arsenal failed to deal with Lucas Digne's ball that flew across the face of the goal.

Ollie Watkins would return three minutes later to score a sensational breakaway goal, dinking the ball over David Raya to seal the victory. Aston Villa could have sealed victory earlier in the second half after Youri Tielemans smashed a long-range effort against the cross bar.

Villa subsequently tightened their grip on a berth in the Champions League next season and moved three points clear of Tottenham in fourth place after Spurs were thumped 4-0 by Newcastle on Saturday afternoon.

Mail Sports Isaan Khan delivers his player ratings as Arsenal drop points in the title race.

DAVID RAYA - 6

Both Ollie Watkins and Youri Tielemans struck the goalframe in two chances. Wasn’t helped by his defence here.

BEN WHITE - 6.5

Great defending to hold off Watkins on a counter-attack after 21 minutes.

WILLIAM SALIBA - 5.5

Left Leon Bailey free at the backpost and the midfielder scored. Positioning was questionable for the second goal. Will be bitterly disappointed.

GABRIEL - 6

Made the mistake which allowed Watkins to hit a post.

OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO - 5.5

Some good link up play but his lax attempt to dribble out of danger saw Tielemans centimetres from scoring.

MARTIN ODEGAARD - 8.5

Pulled the strings in midfield. Got stuck in with tackling, too. Arsenal’s best player.

DECLAN RICE - 6.5

Important off the ball