Aston Villa set a new club record with a 1-0 win over Arsenal in the north-west of England, winning 15 consecutive home league games. A few days ago, Aston Villa beat Manchester City at Villa Park, while Unai Emery had the last laugh in front of his sacks four years ago. John McKinn scored early, while Villa were under heavy pressure from the Gunners. Despite the many chances created by Arsenal, they did not find a sense of shooting on goal throughout the night.
With the suspended Mikel Arteta in the director's box, interim coach Swiftren had his head in his hands just six minutes into the game. Gabriel Martinelli's cross found Saka, who avoided a sleepy Lucas Digne, but was unable to get the shot on the back of the Brazilian's pass. Prior to that, Villa had established a base in the Arsenal half, while the roaring Lions made the breakthrough a minute later. McKinn turned and finished brilliantly from close range after receiving a return pass from Leon Bailey.
Facing another huge test of their title status, Arsenal benefited greatly from a couple of mistakes from Villa as Unai Emery's side played with fire**. However, they lacked the killer instinct to silence the crowd at Villa Park. Arsenal were still able to create some promising chances, but Emiliano Martinez easily saved Saka's curling shot in the 32nd minute and correctly guessed and brilliantly blocked Odegaard's close-range shot in the 39th minute. The former Gunners substitute goalkeeper also blocked Gabriel Jesus in the 42nd minute to keep Villa in a slim lead.
100 help plan