WHAT HAPPENED
Bukayo Saka’s first half goal was enough to give us all three points at Villa Park and strengthen our attitude towards fourth place.
It was a very professional performance from start to finish, and limited Villa to just one shot on goal – that was actually the last kick of the game.
We also started the match very strongly, mostly playing in the Villa half and creating some early chances.
Bukayo Saka was out for his duel with Ashley Young, and his cross in the first ten minutes was almost converted for an own goal by Ezri Konsa, but former Gunner Emiliano Martinez went down to save.
Emile Smith Rowe, back in the side for Gabriel Martinelli, who is suffering from illness, shot from Martin Odegaard’s pass over the edge of the area.
But just before half an hour we scored the goal that deserved our start. Cedric was given a chance to change things around. His deep cross was cleared at the edge of the area, where Saka hit the ball back through a full area and over Martinez.
It was the 2,000. Goal that Arsenal has scored in Premier League history, including Saka’s 10th in all competitions this season.
Saka was on the receiving end of a later Tyrone Mings challenge shortly afterwards, and the Villa captain was perhaps lucky to remain on the pitch.
Bernd Leno, for the injured Aaron Ramsdale had no shot to save in the first half, on his first Premier League appearance since August.
In fact, it was an hour on the clock before the visitors had a shot of any kind – John McGinn rolled one just 20 yards out.
However, there were signs that Villa were slowly getting into the game. Douglas Luiz hit a free kick over the bar and Ollie Watkins hit the base of the post with a deflected shot.
Arsenal meanwhile sought to take the stone out of the game and keep the ball possession in midfield. One such pass from the ball possession led to a chance for Lacazette on the edge of the area, but his shot was blocked.
Danny Ings, as a late substitute, hit a header late as the Villa piled on more pressure.
Coutinho pushed a free-kick deep into Leno’s injury time, and visiting fans were able to celebrate at the closing ceremony.
WHAT IT MEANS
WHAT IS NEXT
After the international break, we return to the Premier League away against Crystal Palace on Monday, April 4th.
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