There was a slight case of Deja vu at Emirates stadium as for the second game in a row Arsenal scored late on too secure a vital 2-1 win and continue their 100% record so far in the Premier League in the process. Arsenal however were without Thomas Partey and Olexandr Zinchenko once again and a further injury to Mohammed Elneny opened the gap for Sambi Lokonga to make it his first start this season, and the young Belgian impressed in an Arsenal midfield that was impressive across the board against the Villains.
Heading into the game, Mikel Arteta’s side were heavy favourites. Not only due to their own form so far but also due to the struggles of Steven Gerrard”s Aston Villa. Who found themselves in the relegation zone having won only one game so far. And the gap in both confidence and quality showed as Arsenal dominated the early stages but couldn’t find a way through former Gunner Emi Martinez partly down to some determined Villa defending. Thirty minutes in though and Arsenal would get their reward for their dominance as Martinez pushed a low-deflected cross straight into the path of Gabriel Jesus who gladly accepted the gift to give the Gunners a thoroughly deserved lead heading into half-time.
However, the second half lacked that intensity and energy the Gunners showed in the first half and Aston Villa took advantage, having more of the ball and controlling more of the game but still struggled to force Aaron Ramsdale into making any big saves. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard came close from a free-kick but both teams largely failed to threaten their opponents goal. That was until the 73rd minute when Douglas Luiz – would had only just come onto the pitch as a substitute a minute earlier- swung in a corner which went directly into Aaron Ramsdale’s net. Although on replay it looked as if the Arsenal goalkeeper was fouled and the goal shouldn’t have stood. However, it did and it left Arsenal with 15 minutes to retake the lead. And in a matter of fact they only need three as almost straight away, Bukayo Saka found Gabriel Martinelli at the back post and the Brazilian found the back of the net despite the best efforts of Martinez. Arsenal held on to claim yet another three points, putting them in a perfect position ahead of the difficult trip to Old Trafford.
Player Ratings:
Ramsdale: 6
White: 8
Saliba: 7
Gabriel: 7
Tierney: 7
Lokonga: 8
Xhaka: 8
Odegaard: 8
Saka: 7
Jesus: 8
Martinelli: 8