This was a test Arsenal needed to pass and they did so with conviction, even if the margin of victory was narrow. They had lost here in their previous two visits but this time a similar outcome was never on: a fluent and controlled performance, particularly during a first half in which they afforded Aston Villa almost nothing, ensured their claim to fourth place looks overwhelming and it was a good way to banish any hangover from Wednesday’s home defeat to Liverpool. Bukayo Saka’s crisp strike on the half-hour was enough to restore their momentum and, although they were visibly tired towards the end, a mainly disappointing Villa only showed occasional signs of changing the mood.
Arsenal’s spirits in the buildup had been dampened by news that Aaron Ramsdale, such a revelation between the posts this season, will be sidelined for several weeks with a muscle injury. Bernd Leno, who had not made a top-flight appearance since 28 August, deputised but the show was initially stolen by a player who could never quite displace the German during his days as first choice. Emiliano MartÃnez joined Villa in 2020 to play regularly: in the 10th minute he showed the benefit of practice with an astounding save, plunging low to his left at the closest of quarters and managing to divert the ball after Ezri Konsa had turned Saka’s inquisitive cross towards his own bottom corner.
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