A razor-sharp first-half display helped Arsenal brush aside an uninspiring Aston Villa side, which looked like it was still coming to terms with the loss of their key man – Jack Grealish – in the summer.
Arsenal took control of the match right from kick-off – their intense press forcing Villa turnovers high up the pitch. Early chances presented themselves to Aubameyang, Bukayo Saka, and left-back Nuno Tavares, but none of them were able to force Martinez into making a save. Meanwhile, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also had a goal ruled out in the 8th minute after Alexandre Lacazette was adjudged to have fouled a defender while attempting to wrestle the ball back.
Thomas Partey hit the bar in the 20th minute following a set-piece. However, the Ghanaian didn’t have to wait long to score his first goal in the Arsenal shirt; a glancing header from an Emile Smith-Rowe corner nestled into the far corner, beyond the reach of Martinez.
Arsenal were given the chance to double their lead in first-half stoppage-time when a foul by Matt Targett on Lacazette forced the referee to award the Gunners a penalty. Aubameyang saw his initial effort saved by Martinez, but he was on hand to force in the rebound. The Gunners finished the first half with two goals, 14 shots – compared to Villa’s none – and the majority of the possession.
Smith-Rowe put the game beyond any doubt by scoring Arsenal’s third in the 56th minute. The youngster was sent through on goal by Aubameyang with a deft flick, and he finished confidently past his former teammate Martinez.
The only blemish on an otherwise superb performance by Mikel Arteta’s men was a late concession, inflicted by Villa youngster Ramsey – the midfielder scored with a stunning effort from just outside the box.
Arsenal held on to the three points and are now unbeaten in six games; the Gunners are up to 9th in the table despite a disastrous start to the campaign. Meanwhile, Villa are down to 13th following their third straight loss.
