Arsenal endured a tough challenge from their nemesis Aston Villa, securing a crucial victory in a high-intensity clash at Villa Park.
In a tale of contrasting goalkeepers, Arsenal’s David Raya pulled off a sensational second-half save from Ollie Watkins with the score still level, while Villa’s Emi Martinez fumbled Thomas Partey’s shot, allowing it to slip through his hands and hand the Gunners a decisive two-goal lead.
Arsenal had been under pressure after Watkins missed a clear first-half opportunity to put Villa in front, but the game’s turning point came after the break when Raya miraculously recovered to make a remarkable one-handed save from Watkins following Amadou Onana’s shot that rebounded off the crossbar.
Mikel Arteta’s side capitalized by taking the lead in the 67th minute, with substitute Leandro Trossard scoring moments after coming on for Gabriel Martinelli, slotting a low shot past Martinez’s left hand.
Partey sealed the win 10 minutes later, securing a victory that holds special significance for Arsenal after Villa derailed their title challenge last season by completing a league double over them.