Arsenal tightened their grip on fourth spot in the Premier League as Bukayo Saka's first-half strike was enough to secure a 1-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday.
2021/2022 Premier League
0-1
Match Report
Arsenal dominated the first half and could have been ahead before Saka scored on the half hour mark. The England international is shining in Mikel Arteta's side and put in a great performance at Villa Park and his long-range effort, which flew past the helpless Emiliano Martinez in goal, sums up the form he's in at the moment.
Saka was also on the receiving end of tough challenge from Jacob Ramsey, who was lucky to only pick up a yellow card. It was a match with a few hard challenges flying in and various players going into the book.
Philippe Coutinho, who has been sensational in recent weeks for Steven Gerrard's side, was unable to shine as his side struggled throughout.
Villa tried to put some pressure on the visitors in the last 15 minutes, but Arsenal held the ball well and defended resolutely when the home side tried to hit them on the counter attack, with Martin Odegaard standing out with his defensive work from midfield.
This result leaves Arsenal in a strong position going into the final stretch of the season as they look to finish in the Champions League places.
Match Events
0' The match is about to start!
3' Rowe's shot over the bar
9' Partey's shot too straight
14' Yellow Card! Ramsey booked
29' GOAL! Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal (Saka)
32' Yellow Card! Mings booked
46' Yellow Card! Xhaka booked
48' Rowe's long shot stopped
61' McGinn's shot wide out
68' CLOSE! Watkins hits the post
85' Ings' header over the bar
Line-ups
Aston Villa XI: Young, Coutinho, E. Martinez, McGinn, Mings, O. Watkins, Buendia, Ngoyo, M. Cash, Douglas Luiz, J. Ramsey
Subs: Traore, R. Olsen, Ings, Chambers, Sanson, Bailey, C. Chukwuemeka, Tim Iroegbunam, Tommi O'Reilly
Arsenal XI: Lacazette, Leno, Xhaka, Cedric, Partey, Tierney, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel, B. White, Smith Rowe, Saka
Subs: M.Elneny, Pepe, Holding, Nketiah, A. Lokonga, Nuno Tavares, A. Okonkwo, Z. Swanson, O. Hutchinson