Player Ratings: Arsenal 3-2 Aston Villa

Not directly at fault for either goal, and unfortunate that his first 'save' from Bent rebounded straight back to the striker. Szczesny's deputy did not provide the defence with the same surety that his countryman routinely does.

His growing reputation took a hit when he was comfortably out-jumped by Dunne for Villa's goal bur once again looked the most composed and dominant of Arsenal's defenders. Won the second penalty with an excellent forward break.

Horrible afternoon for the German, whose positioning was all over the place. Marked fresh air for Villa's opener and caught out by the pace of the visitors' counter-attacks.

Had a few bombastic long-range shots and was a threat going forward down the left flank. Surprisingly, he looked a little jumpy at times in defence.

Eager display from the teenager, who was Arsenal's brightest attacker in the first half and, throughout, never shirked or went for the easy option. No jeers this time, when he was replaced by Henry in the dying minutes.

Very poor in the first half but very good in the second, when he provided an excellent and intelligent link between midfield and attack. Won the first penalty with a fine run.

Began to dictate terms after a quiet opening half. Played a central role in the penalty with his run and cute pass to Ramsey.

Some promising moments on his return after injuring his hamstring in the third round, but the fill-in right-back was troubled whenever Agbonlahor put his foot on the accelerator.

Sleepwalked through 70 minutes, save for the odd velvet touch, before being replaced by Arteta.

As threatening and lively as he had been woeful seven days previously. Caused anxiety in the plodding Villa defence whenever he bombed forward and got his reward with a fortuitous equaliser, when Hutton's clearance rebounded off his chest and into the net.

Excellent early reflex save from a Vermaelen rocket set the tone for an inspired first-half display but was rattled by the ferocity of Arsenal's fightback. Went the wrong way for both of Van Persie's penalties.

Potent going forward but dodgy at the back, even if he was unfortunate that his left-footed clearance into Walcott's chest inadvertently handed Arsenal their equaliser.

Authoritative before the break but a little edgy after it, which is unsurprising given Arsenal's dominance.

Out-jumped Koscielny to put Villa ahead with a thumping header but had a nightmare second half as his team crumbled. Fortunate to stay on the pitch when he brought down Ramsey with a horrible lunge to concede the first penalty.

Had an enthralling battle with Theo Walcott in which honours were even before the break, but crumbled in the face of the winger's pace after it.

Energetic display, first on the right flank and then on the left for the last 20 minutes, but none of the bravado and quality of old.

Masterminded Villa's first-half dominance but caught out by the ferocity of their comeback. Should have done much better with a late chance to set up an equaliser. Subbed with nine minutes left.

Did what he does best by brilliantly steering in the rebound for Villa's second goal after his first shot was well saved by Fabianski.

Tore up the left flank whenever he had some space but was not as involved as he might have been. Surprisingly withdrawn with 20 minutes left.

Caused problems with his movement and touch in the hole behind Bent. Set up Villa's opener with a clever shimmy and cross to Dunne.