And now Villa had a big chance to score and we got away with one. This is far too end to end which is playing into Villa's hands. This game state suits them more than us.
FT. 0-2. Really solid away win and clean sheet against a very good team and a manager who has had our number in recent times. It's only the 2nd time Arteta's beaten Unai as a manager. Considering they did the double over us last season, it was important to rectify some of the wrongdoings and exorcise those demons. I don't think we were amazing, and we did get away with a couple of big moments - Watkins' miss in the first half and the huge save from Raya in the second half (really I think Watkins should have done better considering he had the whole goal to aim at). But we rode the storm, got a foothold back into the game and ended strongly. It was cagey and competitive at times, but sometimes you need big moments from your squad - Trossard is definitely our most clinical finisher. He played really well when he came on too. Martinelli is going to need to be benched from this point I think. He's just so far off the pace. Villa Park is a difficult ground to go to, so I'm glad we've got it out the way now. Onto Brighton...
Big win that. They did us home and away last season, so to go to Villa park on match day 2 and win, is a statement win.
