We twice came from behind to earn a memorable win at the Emirates, despite playing most of the game with 10 men.
It was a result that looked unlikely when our sluggish start culminated in the visitors taking the lead. John McGinn left his markers flat-footed, and turned in Anwar El Ghazi's cross from close range.
It was a sloppy goal to concede, and our task got even harder when Ainsley Maitland-Niles was dismissed for a second bookable offence shortly before half-time. Referee Jon Moss insisted he caught Neil Taylor with his follow through after making the tackle.
Bukayo Saka was taken off at the break to allow Unai Emery to bring on Calum Chambers at the back. Eighteen-year-old Saka had followed up his man-of-the match display in the Europa League on Thursday with another performance of promise on his first Premier League start, setting up a great chance for Maitland-Niles after just two minutes.
Despite our numerical disadvantage we started the second half strongly, and found an equaliser after Matteo Guendouzi was brought down in the box. Nicolas Pepe stepped up to smash home his first Arsenal goal from 12 yards, but his joy was short-lived.
Barely a minute later Villa re-established their lead, Wesley squeezed home his shot at the near post from a Jack Grealish cross.
The visitors were then forced back, attempting to soak up the pressure as we piled forward.
Roared on by the Emirates crowd we drew level through Chambers - the defender coming up with a superb, improvised finish inside the box.
It was game on, and Aubameyang raised the roof when he thumped home his free-kick from just outside the area, after he himself was brought down.
It had been far from plain-sailing, but the three points were assured, moving us into the top four.
#arsenal #premierleague #aubameyang
For more match action, highlights and training videos, make sure you become a digital member and sign up to Arsenal Player. It's FREE and is the Home of the Game: po.st/YTArsenalPlayer
Subscribe to the Official Arsenal RU-vid Channel: arsn.al/Subscribe
Follow us on Facebook: po.st/facebookyt
Follow us on Twitter: po.st/twitteryt
Follow us on Instagram: po.st/instagramyt
Follow us on Soundcloud: po.st/soundcloudyt
This is the Official RU-vid channel for Arsenal Football Club. This channel will aim to showcase the personality of Arsenal Football Club and give fans more of an insight into what it's like to be at this fantastic club. This channel will look behind the scenes and get closer to the likes of Mesut Ozil, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Alexandre Lacazette, Bernd Leno, Granit Xhaka, Hector Bellerin, and more.
ABOUT ARSENAL FC
Arsenal Football Club were formed in 1886. They have amassed 13 League titles, 13 FA Cups and many other major trophies since then. Their greatest players include: Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Tony Adams, Ian Wright, Robert Pires, Liam Brady, Patrick Vieira, Cliff Bastin and Charlie George.
18 май 2024
