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Arsene Wenger’s men came out with flying colours at the Emirates as they beat an in-form Villa side to put pressure on the leaders Chelsea who were earlier held to a draw. For the Gunners it was a crucial game to win as we approach the new year and are exactly mid way through the league.
Cesc Fabregas broke the deadlock by a superbly taken free kick and completed a wonderfully crafted Arsenal goal with Diaby adding one to the tally towards the end. Though Villa had their fair share of chances, they couldn’t capitulate on them.
- Arsenal vs aston villa
Earlier on, Arsenal were lacking creativity although having a fairly high amount of possession. There were swift passing moves which were destined to be wasted at the opposition’s box with the likes of Eduardo throwing away chances. As usual they tried to pass the ball into the net but given the might of Aston Villa defence with Richard Dunne standing like a wall, that was just not going to happen.
With whatever possession Villa had, they tried to make the most of it but Song was playing the role of a loyal guard who could not allow the ball to pass through though Arsenal looked vulnerable at the back. Emile Heskey squandered a few chances and was substituted by John Carew. The fluidity of Arsenal’s movement was disrupted throughout the game thanks to tackles from Martin O’Neill’s men. But they had to pay for it eventually in the form of goal.
Fabregas’s substitution in the 57th minute, though a gamble due to injury problems, was worth it. He was fouled right in front of the box and delightfully took the free kick. The gunners, usually not good at set pieces, saw their captain floating one in above the wall of Villa defence. It was a very nicely taken free kick in that it eluded Friedel as the ball swung heavily when moving towards the net. That goal gave them only a slender lead. Nevertheless, Wenger cherished the moment by celebrating at the touchline.
The introduction of Walcott, added pace to Arsenal moves. It was in the 81st minute when he exactly brought the reward as part of a counter attack. He sprinted through the right flank and delivered an inch perfect ball to Fabregas who found no difficulties in slotting it in. By that time the Gunners were relieved. What initially seemed like a weird celebration from the Gunners captain was later found out to be a hamstring problem. Fabregas was substituted after playing the perfect cameo. Villa players had been chasing the balls for long periods of the game. Diaby took advantage of their fatigue and slammed a low shot and made the scoreline 3- 0.
Gunners are away to Pompies next week who are having mixed fortunes having won against Liverpool and losing against the Hammers last week. Wenger will definitely be the happiest man after the result as they have trounced the team which had earlier defeated United, Chelsea, Liverpool and were the meanest team in the league when it comes to conceding goals. Arsenal showed they can score against anyone now taking their tally of total Premier League goals this season scored to 47. But for Wenger, Eduardo’s form will surely be a matter of concern at least until Van Persie is back. Martin O’Neill’s side host the under-confident Liverpool side this midweek where they would be hoping to make a comeback and put pressure on the top three.
