An early goal from John McGinn was enough to secure all three points for the home side. Martin Odegaard certainly had the best chance of the evening as he shot straight at an emboldened Emi Martinez on the night.
football.london was in attendance to bring you all the things the cameras might have missed from Villa Park.
Havertz x Rice
The two summer signings arrived with varying levels of expectation and Declan Rice has been able to enjoy a consistent run since the start of the season. Goals and Man of the Match performances have seen the England international become beloved by supporters in quick time.
Meanwhile, Kai Havertz has only recently seen his stock rise after a number of influential performances and goals. Rice has been seen at the side of the German several times before, during and after games as the pair have bonded since arriving in the summer.
The same was the case as the pair worked together in the pre-match build-up at Villa Park. Sharing passes together before walking off in deep discussion about what was about to unfold on the night.
Martinelli shouts at Zinchenko
Arsenal were frustrated early on during the game. It was obvious to see how Unai Emery’s side had been so successful against Pep Guardiola in midweek as they took the game to the Gunners
Arsenal tried to respond with a number of balls in behind the stubborn Villa defence but were being irritated at the astuteness of the back line. A ball over the top from Oleksandr Zinchenko to Kai Havertz was overhit when Gabriel Martinelli looked to be in acres of space.
The ball was easily collected by Emi Martinez and Martinelli threw his arms up in the air. Getting Zinchenko’s attention he was seen shouting across asking why he didn’t get the ball but all he got was a couple of apologetic thumbs up from the full-back.
Stuivenberg directing Havertz
The German international was everywhere in Villa Park, making runs, playing key passes and trying to find the space for his side. He is often directed by Mikel Arteta from the sidelines when in play and as regular feature of the Gunners’ matches sees the Spaniard calling at Kai and getting him into the defensive positions.
This time, with Arteta in the stands, Albert Stuivenberg was the coach on the touchline in his place. The Dutchman was seen on numerous occasions calling to the summer signing to move into the central spaces when out of position.
Havertz's defensive work has been lauded throughout the campaign and it is in part thanks to the coaching he receives at the club. This time was no different.
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