Aston Villa secured a record 15th consecutive home league win with a 1-0 victory over Arsenal. Unai Emery’s men pressed the Gunners, who sit just one point behind the Premier League leaders Liverpool, as Mikel Arteta watched from the stands. Villa started the game strongly and punished Arsenal with an early goal from John McGinn. Arsenal grew in confidence but struggled to find the net despite several close chances.
Arsenal hit Villa with consecutive switches of play, but an errant effort from England winger Bukayo Saka saw an opening go to waste. Villa then quickly capitalized, when Leon Bailey passed to John McGinn, who fired a shot into the top corner from 12 yards. Arsenal continued to press, with Gabriel Martinelli close to scoring after a ball over the top. But a goal line clearance from Diego Carlos denied the Gunners. Another attempt from Martinelli saw him feed it to Kai Havertz, whose strike was saved by Martinez. Villa also had their chances, with Ollie Watkins’ effort kept out by David Raya.
The second half saw Arsenal desperate for a penalty, but a VAR check did not award them. Watkins was unlucky with a header hitting the post, while Odegaard missed a chance. An apparent equalizer by Saka was disallowed for offside. Villa nearly scored with a counter-attack, but Watkins was denied by Raya. In the final moments of regulation time, Havertz’s goal was disallowed after a VAR review. Aston Villa held on to take the points.
Martinez and Carlos were pivotal for Villa, keeping their defense sturdy. Carlos made crucial clearances, while Bailey caused problems for Arsenal before being injured. Arsenal’s defense struggled, with White out of sync and Zinchenko losing his focus. Saka was the most threatening attacker for Arsenal. Arteta, who had to watch from the stands, saw his side do the basics well, but they failed to find the spark needed to stage a late comeback.
Aston Villa’s impressive victory extended their record-breaking home league win, leaving them just one point behind Premier League leaders Liverpool. Arsenal, on the other hand, missed an opportunity to advance in the standings but will look to regroup and bounce back in their upcoming matches.
