Arsenal secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park, with substitute Leandro Trossard and goalkeeper David Raya playing pivotal roles.
This win held special significance for Mikel Arteta, whose side were beaten twice last season by Unai Emery’s Villa, losses that played a part in Arsenal’s failure to secure the Premier League title.
On this occasion, Arteta’s team turned the tables, overcoming a tough challenge in a game marked by physicality (referee Michael Oliver gave 16 fouls against Arsenal yet only eight against Villa), defensive solidity, and a few decisive moments that tilted the match in Arsenal’s favour.
Villa’s plans were disrupted early on when Matty Cash was forced off due to injury, while Leon Bailey looked shaky after a heavy fall. With key players like Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings already out, Villa’s depth was tested.
Despite these setbacks, Villa remained competitive in a first half defined by tight transitions and few clear chances. Ollie Watkins, Villa’s main goal threat last season, had a day to forget, missing a glorious opportunity when he skewed a close-range shot wide.
Watkins’ struggles mirrored the frustration of Emery, who had seen his side defeat Arsenal twice last season.
For Arsenal, the first half was a story of missed connections in attack.
Gabriel Martinelli was largely ineffective, while Bukayo Saka forced Emiliano Martínez into a sharp save with a curling effort.
On the other side, Villa’s midfield duo of Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana asked questions of Arsenal’s partnership between Thomas Partey and Declan Rice.
The breakthrough came in the 67th minute, and it was Trossard who delivered.
Replacing the off-colour Martinelli, the Belgian immediately made his mark, finding space in the box and calmly slotting home after a deflection.
The goal was a moment of redemption for Arsenal, who struggled to find the net in this fixture last season.
Villa responded by throwing numbers forward, but it was Arsenal’s turn to show resilience.
Raya, whose signing had raised eyebrows last season, especially from fans of Aaron Ramsdale, justified Arteta’s faith in him with a stunning save to deny Watkins’ point-blank header.
With Villa growing increasingly desperate, Arsenal capitalised in the 77th minute. Partey finished a well-worked move with a strike from the edge of the box that Martínez should have done better with.
Defensively, William Saliba was outstanding, particularly in the closing stages when paired with debutant Riccardo Calafiori.
Saliba’s block on Ramsey’s shot in the dying minutes ensured Arsenal’s clean sheet, securing a win that could be pivotal in their title ambitions.
This was more than just three points for Arsenal. It was a statement of intent and a measure of revenge for Arteta, who watched his side falter against Villa last season.
By correcting those mistakes and showing the mental strength to overcome a determined opponent, Arsenal sent a clear message that they are determined not to repeat last season’s disappointments.