Arsenal ensured they’ve began the 2024-25 Premier League season with two wins from two video games as second-half objectives from Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey gave the Gunners a 2-0 win at Aston Villa.
Trossard swept in a scientific end to place the guests forward within the 67th minute – two minutes after the Belgium ahead had come on – earlier than Emi Martinez was unable to stop Partey’s fierce shot from distance from reaching the left-hand nook of his web 10 minutes later.
Villa striker Ollie Watkins missed one of the best likelihood of the primary half, scuffing a low end comfortably large with solely goalkeeper David Raya to beat from shut vary.
Unai Emery’s aspect had two extra golden alternatives 9 minutes into the second half when Raya made a spectacular double save, denying Watkins from the rebound after diverting Amadou Onana’s deflected shot in opposition to the crossbar.
THOMASSSSSS!!!
Partey scores from vary to double our benefit! ✌️
🟣 0-2 ⚫️ (78) pic.twitter.com/7aqdkKs6Yo
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 24, 2024
Villa vs Arsenal: Gunners’ revenge
The Villans severely dented Arsenal’s title hopes final season after they received 2-0 at Emirates Stadium on April 14, with Watkins scoring the second purpose on that event.
Watkins seemed sure to inflict extra injury on Mikel Arteta’s ambitions of topping the pile, solely to be betrayed by an uncharacteristic lack of conviction which let the guests off the hook.
As a lot as Arsenal owe this victory to Raya’s outstanding reflexes when Villa so almost scored after the break, Trossard would be the man who most feels he has made some extent.
So typically a game-changer from the bench, the 29-year-old scored along with his first contact by rifling in a ruthless first-time drive to show a tough night in Arsenal’s favour.
Partey’s first purpose since March 2023 and first away from dwelling for the membership put the competition out of attain for Villa, who will likely be left rueing a scarcity of attacking composure and precision.
“That is what I am there for.” 🧤
David Raya provides element on how he saved Ollie Watkins’ likelihood for Aston Villa 😲 pic.twitter.com/w3SmJWzWwV
— Sky Sports activities Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 24, 2024
Raya vs Villa: ‘Essential’
“Everyone seems to be a hero as a result of we work collectively,” Spain’s Raya instructed Sky Sports activities. “It’s not simply me saving the ball. It was an important second within the recreation the place it was 0-0 they usually had possibilities. I used to be there to save lots of Ollie’s header.
“Of what I keep in mind, it’s a shot from exterior the field. I’m on the ground so I attempt to stand up and I can’t attain it. I simply see Ollie stepping into there so I react as shortly as potential. I put my hand there and there’s no-one there to get the ball.
“It’s only a repetition of issues. You do drills and have to save lots of one ball and stand up to save lots of one other. This time it paid off. This can be a response one; I don’t assume it’s my finest save.”
