Thomas Partey scored his first goal for Arsenal as the Gunners beat Aston Villa 3-1 on Friday to extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League to six matches. Partey’s first-half header broke the Ghanaian midfielder’s goal drought in his 40th appearance in all competitions since his move from Atletico Madrid 12 months ago. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored Arsenal’s second goal when he converted a rebound after saving a penalty. Emil Smith Rowe put the result beyond doubt in the second half as Arsenal climbed to ninth place in the Premier League.
After losing their first three league games, Arsenal have slowly regained their balance.
Successive draws against Brighton and Crystal Palace had put renewed pressure on Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, but it was a tantalizing glimpse of what could happen under the Spaniard.
“I’m proud of the team. It’s when we’re good, when we play with a real desire, a real commitment and we can have a clear idea of how to attack,” Arteta said.
“We are closer together as a team. That’s what you get from young players. They need consistency. It comes with experience and maturity.
“It has to happen now. They showed they can do it.”
They won’t find as many opponents as bound as Villa, who still looked shell-shocked after scoring three goals in the final 10 minutes in a 3-2 loss against Wolves last weekend.
A late goal from Jacob Ramsey was no consolation for the Villa team after three consecutive losses.
“We were physically dominant in the first half, but I’m confused about the penalty,” said Villa boss Dean Smith.
“It’s a bottom contact tackle. Does he touch the ball first or his foot first? I thought they were the ones we weren’t going for at VAR.”
Villa striker Olly Watkins was lucky to stay on the pitch after Gabriel was kicked out in the first minute.
This was the only show of defiance from Villa as they were blown away by Arsenal’s relentless onslaught.
Aubameyang’s audacious overhead kick went across the goal to Bukayo Saka and the winger fired from a tight angle.
relentless pressure
Partey stabbed him against the crossbar after failing to clear Villa Saka’s free-kick.
Arsenal’s relentless pressure in the 23rd minute finally paid dividends.
Partey rose above flat-footed John McGinn with a flicked header to meet Smith Rowe’s corner, which survived Emiliano Martinez’s disappointing dive.
Arsenal were massive and extended their lead at the stroke of half-time.
Matt Targett’s challenge on Alexandre Lacazette was initially ignored by referee Craig Poson, but after being urged to consult the pitchside monitor, he changed his decision and awarded a penalty.
Smith was incensed, although replays showed that Target caught Lacazette just before touching the ball.
Aubameyang’s spot-kick was saved by former Arsenal keeper Martinez, but the Gabon forward was first to rebound and slipped into his seventh goal this season.
Villa considered a move for Arsenal’s Smith Rowe when he pursued a replacement for Jack Grealish in the close-season.
They were unable to land the young midfielder and showed what they missed with the latest in an impressive repertoire.
Running on Aubameyang’s long pass, Smith Rowe struck a fierce strike that deflected the post on Tyrone Mings and then his previous Martinez in the 56th minute.
Ramsey drove home from the edge of the field with eight minutes remaining, but the quality of the finish was at odds with the rest of Villa’s performance.
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