Leandro Trossard needed two minutes after coming on during Aston Villa vs Arsenal as a substitute to make the breakthrough in the Premier League at Villa Park.
Belgium forward Trossard swept a clinical finish into the far corner of the net from inside the penalty area to put his side ahead after 67 minutes, capitalising on good work from teammate Bukayo Saka on the right.
The strike was Arsenal’s first on target of the second half, having almost fallen behind on three occasions, starting when Ollie Watkins rolled a shot wide with only goalkeeper David Raya to beat during the first period.
Villa had two more golden opportunities nine minutes into the second half when Raya made a spectacular double save, denying Watkins from the rebound after diverting Amadou Onana’s deflected shot against the crossbar.
😵💫 pic.twitter.com/QjjDsyulDe
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 24, 2024
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Villa vs Arsenal: Partey goal
Arsenal doubled their advantage 10 minutes later when Emi Martinez was unable to prevent Thomas Partey’s fierce shot from distance from reaching the left-hand corner of his net.
Partey’s first goal since March 2023 and first away from home for the club put the contest out of reach for Villa, who lost 2-0 and will be left rueing a lack of attacking composure and precision.
The Villans severely dented Arsenal’s title hopes last season when they won 2-0 at Emirates Stadium on April 14, with Watkins scoring the second goal on that occasion.
Watkins looked certain to inflict more damage on Mikel Arteta’s ambitions of topping the pile, only to be betrayed by an uncharacteristic lack of conviction which let the visitors off the hook.
“Make it difficult for them.”
Leandro Trossard on Mikel Arteta’s instructions throughout the game 👀 pic.twitter.com/ExbVnW5Ack
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 24, 2024
Trossard turns Villa vs Arsenal
As much as Arsenal owe this victory to Raya’s remarkable reflexes when Villa so nearly scored after the break, Trossard will be the man who most feels he has made a point.
So often a game-changer from the bench, the 29-year-old scored with his first touch by rifling in a ruthless first-time drive to turn a tricky evening in Arsenal’s favour.
Arsenal are next in action when they host Brighton & Hove Albion – one of three teams to have taken six points from six, alongside Arteta’s side and Manchester City – on Saturday (12.30pm BST).
Villa, who won 2-1 at West Ham in their opener, are at Leicester City on the same day (3pm).
