Martinez heroics key as Aston Villa beat Arsenal at Villa Park

Aston Villa saw off late pressure to secure a 1-0 win over Arsenal that sees them move into eighth-place in the Premier League.

Dean Smith’s side were the better side throughout and thoroughly deserved the three points after Ollie Watkins’ early opener.

It was always going to be a tough and busy day for debutant Mat Ryan, but not many, including the Australian international himself, foresaw it’s immediacy.

After a mix-up between Cedric Soares and Gabriel Magalhaes, Bertrand Traore found Ollie Watkins, whose deflected effort was too well-placed for Ryan’s reach.

The Burkinabe winger was the main threat to Arsenal in the first half, targeting his dribbling at the struggling left-hand side of Arsenal’s defence, which they have failed to rectify in the absence of Kieran Tierney.

He had an opportunity himself, skipping past Gabriel to go one-on-one with Ryan. He attempted an audacious chip, but it was easily denied.

Arsenal came closest via Granit Xhaka, who’s curling free-kick was tipped over by Emi Martinez. They threatened minimally from open play.

The second half was far more evenly matched, with Ryan’s counterpart and former Arsenal man Martinez tested far more regularly.

Nicolas Pepe was instrumental in Arsenal’s revitalisation. The Ivorian was regularly causing problems for Matty Cash down the right hand-side. He would switch over and be equally as effective (but without the end product) in the second period.

It was he who forced Martinez into his most outstanding save, with a deflected effort from close range scissored away by his trailing leg.

Martin Ødegaard replaced Cedric with half an hour to play and brought a new creative element to a dorment Arsenal frontline.

The Norwegian is currently on loan from Spanish giants Real Madrid – but Los Blancos wouldn’t have been too impressed when he skied over a simple chance from ten yards out.

Despite faint Arsenal pressure, Villa would hold on for an important win in the European chase. The Villains rise to eighth, with Arteta’s men falling to tenth after a second consecutive defeat in the Midlands.

Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; McGinn, Barkley, Nakamba; Grealish, Traore, Watkins

Subs: Heaton, Luiz, Trezeguet, El Ghazi, Engels, Sanson, Elmohamady, Davis, Ramsey

Arsenal: Ryan; Bellerin, Gabriel, Holding, Cedric; Partey, Xhaka, Smith-Rowe; Pepe, Lacazette, Saka

Subs: Runarsson, Ceballos, Ødegaard, Willian, Aubameyang, Chambers, Mari, Elneny, Martinelli

Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt

Share and Enjoy !

Shares
Chris Stonadge

Sports Journalism student, streamer at LFC Transfer Room, Anfield Agenda. Liverpool fan with a particular interest in Welsh, Youth, and African football.

Recent Posts

Chicago Fire beat Inter Miami to secure their playoff spot

Inter Miami 3 - 5 Chicago Fire FORT LAUDERDALE, FL--It was a night of ups…

12 hours ago

Cricket USA files for bankruptcy

The site CrickBuzz is reporting that Cricket USA, the governing body of the sport in…

13 hours ago

The Cascadia Derby on its last stage when the Timbers visit Seattle

(7) Portland Timbers (11, 10, 11, 44 points) vs (5) Seattle Sounders (12,9,10, 46 points)…

2 days ago

Son, Bouanga carry LAFC past St. Louis

The dynamic duo strikes again for LAFC. The tandem of Son Heung-Min and Denis Bouanga…

3 days ago

Angel City falls short to Racing Louisville

Time is running short for Angel City in its quest to make the playoffs. Again…

3 days ago