Ahead of kick-off, Aston Villa put their UEFA Champions League trophy in their stadium tunnel in a bid to spite Arsenal.
The Villa Park side won the Champions League title during the 1981/82 season, while the Gunners have never won the coveted continental honor.
The Gunners were close to claiming the top-tier European club competition title during the 2005/06 campaign, but a 2-1 loss to Barcelona shattered their dream of being among the clubs that have won the trophy.
Arsenal, who were then handled by Arsene Wenger, went ahead through Sol Campbell in the 37th minute before Samuel Eto’o equalized for Barcelona in the 76th minute.
Ten minutes before the expiration of the clash, Juliano Belletti scored the decisive goal of the encounter to hand the Blaugrana side the title.
Interestingly, Aston Villa could be seen as the architect of Arsenal’s downfall last season, as they defeated Mikel Arteta’s side in their two meetings last season and that had huge implications on where the Premier League title headed.
Anyway, Arsenal had the last laugh at the end of the match today, as they humbled their bogey team, who are tutored by their erstwhile gaffer Unai Emery.
Aston Villa Vs Arsenal
Arsenal continued their unbeaten start to the 2024/25 Premier League season, as they impressively overcame the Aston Villa bug.
Mikel Arteta’s side enjoyed the larger share of the possession in the opening half against Aston Villa, despite not many big chances being seen by either side.
The Gunners saw the first golden opportunity in the game, with Bukayo Saka curling an enterprising effort towards the bottom corner after cutting in from the right.
However, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez produced a brilliant save to deny Mikel Arteta’s side, as he tipped the ball away from danger.
Aston Villa made a forced alteration in the opening period, with Kosta Nedeljkovic replacing Matty Cash in the 16th minute.
The latter was withdrawn due to an apparent ankle issue which he picked up in the 13th minute after a challenge on Gabriel Martinelli.
Aston Villa had to deal with some injury concerns in the first half, with Amadou Onana and Leon Bailey also Unai Emery something to fret about.
Thankfully, Onana and Bailey were in good condition to continue after receiving the required treatments.
Five minutes before half of the hour mark, Aston Villa squandered a big opportunity, as Ollie Watkins uncharacteristically missed a sitter.
Watkins was played clean through on goal by Rogers, but the England international directed a low shot wide of the far post.
Attacker Morgan Rogers was a shining light for Aston Villa all through the game as he troubled the defense of Arsenal.
Rogers’ display resulted in Declan Rice receiving the first booking of the game, as the former West Ham man was brandished a yellow card by referee Michael Oliver.
Arsenal And Aston Villa Ended The First Half In A Stalemate
The first period ended with both teams level at the break and needing the rightful pep talk to accentuate quality in the second half.
The Villains picked up a big chance 6 minutes before the hour mark, but David Raya was on hand to deliver a top save.
Rogers fed the ball to Onana on the edge of the box, with the latter’s effort being deflected and subsequently looping up onto the crossbar.
Ollie Watkins reacted first to the attempt and headed the ball goalwards, but Raya leaped across and parried the ball away.
In the 57th minute, Gabriel Meghales was shown a yellow card, as he was cautioned for his troubles.
Four minutes after the hour mark, Martin Odegaard threaded a through ball onto the path of Saka, who was within shooting chance less than 10 yards out.
Unfortunately, the winger dilly-dallied too long and allowed Martinez to get a mighty frame in the way.
Moreover, Jacob Ramsey was introduced by manager Unai Emery in the 65th minute, replacing John McGinn, while John Duran came on for Ollie Watkins, who was underwhelming all evening.
Arsenal also made their own change, with Leandro Trossard entering the fray for Gabriel Martinelli.
Leandro Trossard Scored The Opener
Trossard made his impact felt in next to no time, as boss Mikel Arteta’s change paid off, with the Belgian taking the Gunners into the lead.
A Bukayo Saka’s low cutback is deflected preciously into his presence, and he coolly finished the opportunity, sending the ball into the bottom-right corner.
In the 72nd minute, Amadou Onana fouled Bukayo Saka and he was booked for his reckless challenge.
Four minutes later, Onana was withdrawn for Ross Barkley, while Ian Maatsen was brought on for Lucas Digne.
Thomas Partey Doubled The Lead For Arsenal
Thomas Partey sealed the win for Arsenal, with a delightful goal, following some intricate passing movement involving Trossard and Saka.
Riccardo Calafiori was introduced 11 minutes before the expiration of normal time, with Jurrien Timber being taken off.
Martín Odegaard could have made it 3 late on, but he blazed his effort over the bar from close range after Rice sent a low pass to the Norwegian.
Jacob Ramsey also took a dashing run down the left and into the area of Arsenal in the 84th minute, but William Saliba excellently defended the ball to prevent the Englishman from taking a clean shot at goal.
Ramsey’s shot was also tipped wide for a corner, with Saliba celebrating after showing some great defensive work.
Two minutes before the end of regular time, Reiss Nelson replaced Bukayo Saka, while captain Odegaard got his name taken down into the referee’s book in the 89th minute for a badly-time tackle on Yuri Tielemans.
Arsenal picked up their first win in 3 matches against Aston Villa, having lost 1-0 and 2-0 to Unai Emery’s side in their first and second meeting respectively last term.
