Premier League – Aston Villa vs Arsenal: Arsenal picked up a narrow 0-1 win away at Villa Park in their Saturday future against Aston Villa.
Bukayo Saka’s attempt from just outside the box in the 30th minute of the contest sealed the result for the Gunners.
Throughout the course of the contest, however, both teams looked equally balanced, with neither able to stamp their dominance.
Following the result, the Londoners have cemented their position in the top four of the table. Their opponents meanwhile are at risk of falling out of the top half of the table.
Premier League – Aston Villa vs Arsenal Managers’ reaction
Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard: “Yeah, that’s exactly how I described the game to you though, isn’t it? Not good enough first half and then improved in the second half.” (When asked his team did not have a shot on target until right at the death)
“I thought the performance was a lot better second half, but well done for spotting that.
“Yeah, well done Des for recognising that. If you’d asked me that question I would say the league doesn’t lie and I’d say that Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Man United, West Ham, Wolves, at the moment, are ahead of us for a reason and there’s a gap.” (When mentioned that there’s still that gap between Villa and Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.
“I’ll tell you what I am in the interview, I’m emotional, I care, I don’t like getting beat… and I actually thought your questions would be a little bit more better, in all honesty.
“No disrespect, Des, I’m not going to get personal but you’ve just said to me there’s a gap between Manchester United, City, blah blah… we know that.
“You also said we got one shot on target towards the end of the game, that’s how I described the game as well.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta: “It was a big win. After the defeat against Liverpool, but the performance that we had. We wanted to come here and play well first. Which we did and get the three points because we want to keep the momentum going. And I think the team showed today a lot of personality to come and play the way we played. The way we dominated the game and to come away with a win in the end.
“Personally (it feels) great, because we’ve been through a lot. And, as you said, we played almost two years without crowds. To build something that, in my opinion, was the most important thing, was unity around the club and a sense of direction and belonging. They were going to be really important and they give us belief and energy.”
