Aston Villa were made to pay for missing their chances against Arsenal at Villa Park
Lee Hendrie admitted he was concerned with Aston Villa’s reaction to falling behind against Arsenal on Saturday night.
Unai Emery’s side lost 2-0 after conceding goals 10 minutes apart as Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey bagged in the second half. The Gunners took control of the game after Ollie Watkins missed two golden opportunities to put Villa in the lead either side of half-time.
His first came in the 25th minute after Leon Bailey robbed Gabriel of the ball in the final third before playing it to Morgan Rogers, who then found Watkins inside the box. The Villa forward scuffed his shot wide of the post. Shortly after the break, Watkins saw his header miraculously saved by David Raya from close range.
“I think for large parts they looked well organised and well drilled,” Hendrie said of Villa’s performance on Sky Sports. “Defensively, they nullified Arsenal for large parts. The crucial moments were Ollie Watkins’ two missed chances.
“If one of those go in, it’s a completely different outcome. If you don’t take those chances, you will get punished.
“What was disappointing at the end when the two goals went in, I just felt like Villa gave up and were a bit deflated. That’s my only concern.
“I know you’re coming up against a top side in Arsenal, but you have to keep going and you have to keep pressing and believing.”
Former Premier League midfielder Jamie Redknapp added: “I think if Aston Villa scored, they could’ve sat back because they looked very comfortable in their shape. They didn’t give Arsenal many opportunities.
“After that moment of missing that chance, you felt like Villa were just trying to win and felt like three points were in their hands.
“The crowd are behind them and they’re attacking the Holte End. Once Arsenal score it becomes a completely different game.”
