A McGinn goal was all that separated two of the most in-form Premier League teams at the break.
Villa started more brightly with Bailey causing problems down Arsenal's left.
The Gunners clawed their way back into the game and Martinelli had a shot cleared off the line.
Martinez made a couple of smart saves from Odegaard, Saka and Jesus to keep Villa's lead intact.
The question everyone will ask is were Arsenal right to let Martinez leave. The answer is still the same: no. Although Raya is better with his feet and an upgrade on Ramsdale and Leno, I'm not sure he is quite as good as Martinez, who looks unbeatable today.
Saturday 9 December 2023
Saturday 2 December 2023
Arsenal 2-1 Wolves
In the end, this was as far from my 3-0 pre-match prediction as I could imagine.
There was no way Wolves were going to roll over and let Arsenal tickle their tummies, but effectively, the visitors won the second half. That was due mainly to Arsenal's sloppiness more than anything else.
A Zinchenko defensive error more or less gifted the visitors a goal, so it was a case of hanging onto a slender lead as the clock ticked down.
One thing's for sure, this was not title-winning form, despite the three welcome points that keep Arsenal at the top of the league.
There was no way Wolves were going to roll over and let Arsenal tickle their tummies, but effectively, the visitors won the second half. That was due mainly to Arsenal's sloppiness more than anything else.
A Zinchenko defensive error more or less gifted the visitors a goal, so it was a case of hanging onto a slender lead as the clock ticked down.
One thing's for sure, this was not title-winning form, despite the three welcome points that keep Arsenal at the top of the league.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves (half time)
After the 6-0 drubbing of Lens in the Champions League and two goals in two games for Havertz, Arsenal would be forgiven for expecting more of the same.
Despite the lack of Havertz in the starting line up, replaced by the in-form Trossard, Arsenal raced into a two-goal lead with goals from Saka and Odegaard. Assists were provided by Tomiyasu and Zinchenko respectively, as Arsenal tore Wolves apart in the early stages.
Near the end of the half, Arsenal began to make a few defensive errors and Wolves has a couple of chances to pull a goal back. The visitors will feel down but not out and Arsenal will have to find their form again to finish this game off.
Despite the lack of Havertz in the starting line up, replaced by the in-form Trossard, Arsenal raced into a two-goal lead with goals from Saka and Odegaard. Assists were provided by Tomiyasu and Zinchenko respectively, as Arsenal tore Wolves apart in the early stages.
Near the end of the half, Arsenal began to make a few defensive errors and Wolves has a couple of chances to pull a goal back. The visitors will feel down but not out and Arsenal will have to find their form again to finish this game off.
Saturday 11 November 2023
Arsenal 3-1 Burnley
In the end, it was a hard-fought win at the Emirates, despite the two-goal cushion.
Vieira's reckless challenge meant a red card and an early bath for the substitute, who had made little impact during his short time on the pitch as Havertz's replacement. The fans are supporting Vieira for now, but there are concerns about his suitability in this team. This sending-off will not enhance his reputation.
Luckily, Trossard's man-of-the-match performance ensured Arsenal won all three points. His corner from the left was nodded in by Saliba to restore the Gunners' lead, after Burnley equalised with a deflected Brownhill effort.
To make the game safe, Zinchenko hooked in the third with a scissor kick and Arsenal must have felt home and dry.
There are more injuries for Arsenal to worry about now: Martinelli limped off with a suspected hamstring problem and Jorginho sustained a head injury. With Vieira's suspension too, the resources of the squad will be stretched to the maximum.
Arsenal 1-0 Burnley (half time)
Leo 'The Lion' Trossard strikes again!
Unfortunately for Trossard, his bravery didn't only earn him a goal. It looked like he damaged his forearm in the process, so may not make it back for the second half.
Saka provided a headed assist, but Trossard had to be courageous if he wanted a goal, with keeper Trafford coming out to clear. In the end, Trossard nudged home the 1,000th goal at the Emirates, so will be remembered in the record books, despite the scrappy nature of the goal.
Burnley looked well-disciplined and hard to break down and tested David Raya in the Arsenal goal on two occasions.
Aside from the goal, the only time that Arsenal looked like scoring was when Saka unleashed a right-footed snap shot which was pushed onto and over the bar by Trafford.
Trossard also had a powerful effort saved, but in a way it seemed comfortable for the keeper.
The headline news was no White. Benny got a knock against Sevilla, so didn't feature and wasn't even on the bench.
Tomiyasu deputised and had a good half.
Odegaard is still out with an injury, which must be quite concerning to Arteta, watching his team slow out of the blocks and struggling to make chances against relegation fodder.
Perhaps Nketiah will be on in the second half for the injured Trossard.
Unfortunately for Trossard, his bravery didn't only earn him a goal. It looked like he damaged his forearm in the process, so may not make it back for the second half.
Saka provided a headed assist, but Trossard had to be courageous if he wanted a goal, with keeper Trafford coming out to clear. In the end, Trossard nudged home the 1,000th goal at the Emirates, so will be remembered in the record books, despite the scrappy nature of the goal.
Burnley looked well-disciplined and hard to break down and tested David Raya in the Arsenal goal on two occasions.
Aside from the goal, the only time that Arsenal looked like scoring was when Saka unleashed a right-footed snap shot which was pushed onto and over the bar by Trafford.
Trossard also had a powerful effort saved, but in a way it seemed comfortable for the keeper.
The headline news was no White. Benny got a knock against Sevilla, so didn't feature and wasn't even on the bench.
Tomiyasu deputised and had a good half.
Odegaard is still out with an injury, which must be quite concerning to Arteta, watching his team slow out of the blocks and struggling to make chances against relegation fodder.
Perhaps Nketiah will be on in the second half for the injured Trossard.
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