Paul Merson singles out Arsenal player for his role in 'worst defensive goal of the weekend' as Ollie Watkins netted dramatic equaliser for Aston Villa

Paul Merson singled out an Arsenal player for his poor defending in Aston Villa’s equalising goal against the Gunners on Saturday.

Arsenal looked to be set to cut Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League table back to four points as they led Villa 2-0 at the Emirates, but Unai Emery’s side shell-shocked their hosts by scoring two goals themselves to earn a point.

The first came through Youri Tielemans, who headed past David Raya to halve the deficit, before Ollie Watkins powered in a volley off the crossbar to send the away end into raptures.

But one man in particular was singled out for criticism in the post-match analysis on Sky Sports, with Paul Merson taking issue at the player’s efforts of trying to stop Watkins.

The goal saw Matty Cash swing a cross in from the right with his left foot, before Watkins raced clear of his marker to volley into the top of the goal.

Merson went on somewhat of a rant when breaking down the goat, left in disbelief at how Watkins was afforded the chance to break clear.

‘It’s Partey, it’s Partey,’ Merson began, speaking on Sky Sports’ coverage of the game.

‘It gets cleared out. Partey gets set, he drops back in, he’s got his man. Then he just leaves him.

‘I mean, he has played for one of the most disciplined defensive teams in Europe in Atletico Madrid. He’s a defensive midfield player. He should see danger, he has played that.

‘He gets back in, that’s his man. You cannot do that. That can’t win you league titles. It’s phenomenal what he’s done.

‘He’s just got to pick his man up. You’re in a league title race. My man does not score. You take responsibility. He leaves him. You won’t see a worse defensive goal than that all weekend.’

More to follow.