Arsenal strike at the right moment to beat Aston Villa

Arsenal found the breakthrough in the 58th minute, when Riccardo Calafiori recovered a loose ball and Bukayo Saka finished to secure a 1-0 win at Aston Villa.

The goal came after Arsenal had struggled to create chances in the first half. Aston Villa had threatened early, with Emi Buendía’s powerful shot hitting the crossbar, and continued to test Mikel Arteta’s side with intensity and counterattacks.

Arsenal improved after halftime. Eberechi Eze, introduced for Christos Tzolis, broke through with a run and pass into space. Martin Ødegaard later came close, while a penalty initially awarded to Arsenal was overturned by the video assistant referee after officials determined the foul occurred outside the area.

The visitors strengthened their midfield late on by bringing in Mikel Merino and Bruno Guimarães. Aston Villa responded with Alysson and Tammy Abraham, who replaced Hemmings and debutant Nico Jackson. Arsenal remained vulnerable in front of goal, with Kai Havertz missing a chance to make it 2-0.

Mosquera left the field injured near the end, and Arsenal used its squad depth again when Declan Rice made way for Martín Zubimendi. The win gave Arsenal a second straight victory and moved them into second place behind Manchester City. Aston Villa remained second from bottom without a point.