(AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal are hosting Aston Villa this evening at the Emirates as the Gunners looks to carry forwards the momentum from Monday’s last-gasp equaliser against Crystal Palace. Alexandre Lacazette came off the bench to pinch a 2-2 draw, and although it was far from the Gunners’ best performance, there were positives to take as Mikel Arteta’s team extended their unbeaten run in the league to five games, having lost all of their opening three.
Villa have endured the opposite trend with back-to-back defeats, including a dramatic late goal which saw Wolves complete a thrilling comeback to win 3-2 against their West Midlands rivals. It means Dean Smith’s side are now 13th coming into this fixture, one place and one point behind Arsenal in the Premier League table.
The build-up to the game saw Arteta asked about his young midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, who Aston Villa enquired about in the summer. “Any club has the right to make an inquiry about a player when they believe they have the financial power to get him, they’re entitled to,” Arteta said on Friday. “So there was a communication between the clubs and we made it really clear that Emile wasn’t for sale. He’s a big part of what we’re trying to do and our future. He’s really happy where he is and I’m delighted to have him.”
Follow all the action from the Emirates below, live.
Arsenal 2 – 0 Aston Villa
51 mins: Arsenal defend the Villa corner, fly down the pitch and win one of their own. Smith Rowe swings it into the middle but a headed clearance drops to Saka. He shifts the ball onto his left foot and drills one from just outside the box but sends the effort over the crossbar.
Michael Jones22 October 2021 21:13
Arsenal 2 – 0 Aston Villa
48 mins: There’s immediate improvement for Villa. Buendia chips a ball over the top for Watkins who’s got room in the box to run into. He does so before taking a shot at goal and forcing Ramsdale to push it wide of the post.
Michael Jones22 October 2021 21:11
Second half: Arsenal 2 – 0 Aston Villa
Kick off: Leon Bailey replaces Axel Tuanzebe for Aston Villa who revert to a back four with Watkins playing on the left, Bailey the right and Ings through the middle of the forward line.
The visitors get the game back underway. Can Villa find a goal and get themselves back into this match?
Michael Jones22 October 2021 21:09
Arsenal 2 – 0 Aston Villa
Only Mo Salah (12) has scored more goals in all competitions for Premier League clubs this season than Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (7).
(Getty Images)
Michael Jones22 October 2021 21:07
Arsenal 2 – 0 Aston Villa
Arsenal had 14 attempts in that half, the most they’ve ever had the first 45 minutes of a match under Mikel Arteta. In contrast Aston Villa had none.
That’s how dominant Arsenal have been.
Michael Jones22 October 2021 21:03
Arsenal 2 – 0 Aston Villa
Thomas Partey has scored his first goal for Arsenal in his 40th appearance in all competitions, and from his 49th attempted shot for the Gunners.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Michael Jones22 October 2021 20:59
Half-time: Arsenal 2 – 0 Aston Villa
45+7 mins: A fair bit of drama to end the first half. Dean Smith was not at all happy that the penatly was given. Martinez did his best to keep it out but Aubameyang was switched on enough to put home the rebound.
What it means is that Arsenal take a deserved lead into the break. They’ve been great in that half, not allowing Aston Villa to build up any sort of momentum. Their passing and pressing has been sharp and accurate and the scoreline doesn’t flatter them at all.
Michael Jones22 October 2021 20:55
GOAL! Arsenal 2 – 0 Aston Villa (Aubameyang, 45+6)⚽️
45+6 mins: The VAR check took a few minutes and then Martinez starts his mind games getting in Aubameyang’s face. The Arsenal captain hits the spot kick to the goalkeeper’s right and Martinez saves it!
But, the ball bounces back to Aubameyang who converts with a nice left-footed finish to double Arsenal’s lead!
Michael Jones22 October 2021 20:53
Penalty to Arsenal!
Arsenal 1 – 0 Aston Villa
45+2 mins: Lokonga picks up a yellow card for fouling McGinn over on Villa’s left side. McGinn swings the free kick into the area but Ramsdale comes out confidently to claim the ball.
Arsenal sweep up the pitch and work the ball in from the left. Targett tries to clear the ball but Lacazette gets in front of him and the defender kicks the man. Lacazette goes down and there’s a VAR check.
Craig Pawson is called over to the monitor and he points to the spot!
Michael Jones22 October 2021 20:51
Arsenal 1 – 0 Aston Villa
45 mins: Close! Saka curls another corner into the box and picks out Partey again. This time he makes a run towards the near post, wins the header but sends his effort over the bar!
Two minutes of added time to play.
Michael Jones22 October 2021 20:46
