Arsenal vs Aston Villa LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
Follow all the action from Emirates Stadium
Arsenal maintain their perfect start after beating Aston Villa in a fiery clash at the Emirates Stadium. As the Gunners make it five from five, the question is not how long they can keep this up but how long Steven Gerrard can keep his job.
Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow has invested a lot of trust and club money into his former Liverpool star’s project, and he is likely to get games after Saturday’s daunting home game against Manchester City, but the wonder is whether they will all be overtaken by events. Or, rather, defeats.
Here, at a buoyant Arsenal stadium, it was as if Villa were almost powerless to stop Mikel Arteta’s effervescent side claiming 2-1 win. There was barely a challenge for Gabriel Martinelli’s winning goal. Gerrard’s approach, in stark contrast to Arsenal’s run, seems unsustainable.
So, while Villa look to the weekend with trepidation, Arsenal look to it with hope. They have positive momentum, confidence and an edge, all of which form the ideal mentality to be going to Manchester United in search of the sort of victory that would really serve as a statement.
Relive the action from Arsenal’s victory over Aston Villa:
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
Villa need to regroup at the break. Steven Gerrard's men have been on the back foot and could have been further behind if not for Martinez. They need to maintain their defensive resilience in the second half and hope to take a chance on the counter to try to emerge from the contest with a positive result.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
Arsenal hold a 1-0 lead over Aston Villa at the break in their Premier League clash. Gabriel Jesus was on the mark in the 30th minute to turn home a rebound from close range to put the Gunners ahead. Mikel Arteta's men have been all over the visitors in the first half and should have put the game out of sight, but good keeping from Emiliano Martinez and desperate defending has kept the Villans in the game.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
WHAT A SAVE! Martinez produces a super stop to deny Martinelli. The Brazillian latches on to a knockdown from Xhaka on the edge of the box and powers an effort at goal towards the top-right corner on his right foot. It looks to be heading into the net, only for Martinez to stick out a hand to turn it over the bar.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
OFF THE LINE! Cash denies Saka on the line with a vital block on the line as Arsenal come inches away from a second goal. Odegaard opens up the Villa defence with a chip over the top and Jesus fends off Cash before firing at goal on the turn. His effort is saved by Martinez, but Saka pounces on the rebound. He steers an effort towards goal without a great deal of power, which allows Cash to get back. The chance is still there for the hosts as Jesus tees up Tierney, but his effort is held by Martinez.
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