Aston Villa v Arsenal LIVE: Premier League result and reaction after Kai Havertz denied late equaliser
Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal: John McGinn’s early goal was enough for Unai Emery’s side as they moved to within two points of the top of the table
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Your support makes all the difference.Aston Villa continued their remarkable home winning run with a gutsy 1-0 win over Arsenal that lifted Unai Emery’s side to within two points of the top of the Premier League table.
Having out-played Manchester City earlier in the week, Villa produced a performance of real defensive strength to hold on after John McGinn’s early goal. The tireless home captain was emblematic of an industrious performance as the visitors suffered a set back in their chase for the title.
Arsenal had been knocked off top spot by Liverpool’s win earlier on Saturday, and missed a series of chances to suffer just a second defeat of the season. With Mikel Arteta watching on from the stands due to a touchline ban, Kai Havertz’s late leveller was ruled out after referee Jarred Gillett deemed the ball to have brushed the midfielder’s hand just before he converted from close range.
And with Aston Villa now just a point behind their opponents after a 15th consecutive home league win, there will be growing belief among the Villa Park faithful that their team can continue to mix it with the established big boys.
Re-live all the action below plus get the latest odds and tips right here:
Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal, 29 minutes
It looks like Bailey will try to run it off, the winger continuing and offering an option as Youri Tielemans turns Oleksandr Zinchenko. Zinchenko grabs a fistful of shirt - into the book the Ukraine international goes.
Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal, 27 minutes
Good pressing from John McGinn and Youri Tielemans force Arsenal to go around the houses, David Raya used and Arsenal unable to escape up the left. Aston Villa soon win it back, but there attempts to use the possession are undermined by an injury to Leon Bailey, who limps away after controlling.
Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal, 25 minutes
Bukayo Saka looks Arsenal’s likeliest threat, the winger moving cannily as Lucas Digne withdraws to remain onside. Gabriel Jesus finds Saka, who beats Emiliano Martinez to the ball but can’t find a teammate with a pass made in haste.
Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal, 23 minutes
After a long wait while the two squabble over it, Digne’s attempt is disappointing, colliding with the wall.
Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal, 21 minutes
Youri Tielemans breaks off Kai Haverts, forcing the German to pull him back as the ex-Leicester midfielder sets his sights on releasing Leon Bailey. 25 yards out, right of centre - both Lucas Digne and Bailey might well fancy this.
Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal, 20 minutes
A sharp ball from Declan Rice gives Gabriel Martinelli a bit of room, and the Brazilian has time to put his foot on the ball and consider his options. Martinelli plumps for a cross, but it’s overly floaty and swallowed up by the goalkeeper.
Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal, 18 minutes
It is not just in posssession that Oleksandr Zinchenko is tucking in, the “left-back” spending most of his time in a holding midfield role. You do fear that might leave Gabriel Magalhaes, manning the left of the defensive unit that remains, a bit exposed, with the Aston Villa goal havign come down that channel.
Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal, 16 minutes
A thrusting left boot from Kai Havertz looks a little high on Boubacar Kamara, but referee Jarred Gillett is happy to let play continue with the German having taken the ball. Bukayo Saka releases a shot, which ricochets away off Aston Villa legs. Saka just couldn’t quite open up the space for the far-post curler he likes.
Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal, 14 minutes
Arsenal are just off their game a bit. Gabriel Jesus cuts back and tries to switch play, but it’s between Bukayo Saka and Ben White, who watch it skim out of play across the damp Villa Park turf.
Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal, 12 minutes
Arsenal continue to push up, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard each high in their press and almost alongside Gabriel Jesus. Oleksandr Zincheko is tucking in to a midfield area at times, combining to set a platform with Declan Rice. The Ukrainian looks forward with a direct, long ball, but it’s too straight and through to Emiliano Martinez on the bounce.
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