Full time: Aston Villa 5-2 ArsenalArsenal crash back down to earth a few days after reaching the Champions League final, with a changed side thrashed at Villa Park as the Gunners concede five goals for the first time in eight years. A defensive calamity from start to finish pic.twitter.com/4hdskMSneB

— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) April 30, 2025

Player ratings:

Manu Zinsberger 3/10

Got her positioning all wrong as Arsenal legend Jordan Nobbs found the net to put Villa in front, and was found wanting again for Chasity Grant’s goal after half-time.

Katie McCabe 3.5/10

Tested by Villa’s pace on the counter-attack, dominated at times by Ebony Salmon. An uncharacteristic error, and lapse of communication with Zinsberger, as she dawdled on the ball to allow Grant to pickpocket her and score.

Steph Catley 4/10

Will want to forget this game along with the rest of her teammates. Arsenal’s defence were cut through like a knife through butter throughout.

Lotte Wubben-Moy 4/10

A nervous performance, not tight enough to Kirsty Hanson as the Scot was allowed to shoot from range to score before half time, during which Wubben-M

Katie Reid 4/10

Her first league start for Arsenal, at right-back. Reid’s best position according to Renée Slegers will be in the centre of defence, so why throw the teenager in out of position? A difficult night for the academy graduate, albeit providing a good cross for Alessia Russo to head home.

Kyra Cooney-Cross 4/10

Mistimed her tackle on Salmon as Villa broke at speed to take the lead. Replaced at half-time.

Mariona Caldentey 4.5/10

Struggled to make an impact in a changed Arsenal midfield.

Chloe Kelly 5/10

Lively early on as ever but was a little predictable in her crossing.

Victoria Pelova 5/10

Started for the first time in any competition since her anterior cruciate ligament injury, and played in attacking midfield with Mariona remaining deeper. Some clever runs but didn’t show enough.

Beth Mead 4/10

Two really important defensive interventions in the first half but was visibly frustrated with the lack of movement from her teammates in attack.

Stina Blackstenius 4.5/10

Very quiet in the first 45 minutes. A good run in behind and finish to pull one back for the Gunners.

Leah Williamson (Sub, half-time) 4/10

Struggled to stem the flow of goals as Villa dominated the Gunners.

Kim Little (Sub, half-time) 4/10

Brought on to steady the ship in midfield but was unable to stem the flow of chances for the home side.

Alessia Russo (Sub, half-time) 5/10

An interesting decision by Slegers to bring Russo on in the ten rather than Frida Maanum, who was so effective against Lyon. Stooped down low to head home and halve the deficit from Reid’s cross.

Caitlin Foord (Sub, 62’) 4.5/10

Dropped to left-back in the final ten minutes when McCabe was replaced, on a night that raised serious questions of Arsenal’s squad depth.

Frida Maanum (Sub, 81’)

Subs not used: Naomi Williams, Emily Fox, Lia Walti, Amanda Ilestedt