For the first time since May 2015, Arsenal achieved a fifth consecutive Premier League away win – this one came at the expense of Aston Villa, who will have to make their peace with the Londoners taking all three points to the capital. Mikel Arteta’s men came out on top in a full-blooded win, cementing their spot in the league’s top four.From a comfortable lead in January to a heated sprint to the finish line in MayAs the season progressed, both Aston Villa and Arsenal have improved immeasurably. But it was the Gunners who showcased that in a dominant first half. Controlling possession and keeping the Villan’ imprisoned in their own half, North Londoners looked at home at Villa Park. Terrorising stand-in left-back Ashley Young and combining well with Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka was the primary source of Villa’s troubles. Arsenal took a deserved lead after half an hour of warnings which marked Arsenal’s 2000th Premier League goal. Cédric Soares’ cross was poorly kicked out of Villa’s box, the ball eventually came to Saka who sent a shot from the edge of the box through a sea of shin-pads and boots to burry it behind Emiliano Martínez.The tension went higher soon after – Tyrone Mings escaped a red card for a robust challenge on Saka, leaving the 20-year-old in visible discomfort. Overall, the hosts couldn’t be satisfied with their first-half performance. Villa’s biggest positive at the break was that the Gunners had only fired home one goal while the home squad managed a measly two touches in the Arsenal box. After the break, looking to turn the tide, the hosts took a more proactive approach. John McGinn twice delivered inviting crosses from free-kicks in the first half and came inches away from levelling the score himself with a curled attempt an hour in. Arsenal were forced to retreat as Aston Villa visibly grew in confidence – it allowed Ollie Watkins to find room for a shot that deflected onto the post. Tons of luck for the visitors in the 68th minute.What a comeback! Howling Wolves lack the bite for Leeds UnitedThe final whistle was approaching and Steven Gerrard decided to roll the dice – he brought on Bertrand Traoré, Leon Bailey, and Danny Ings. On the other end, Arteta was fearful for Saka and took him out of play.However, even without the goalscorer and their main man, the visitors regained control and saw out a hard-fought victory – Villa changes simply weren’t enough for a comeback.With this loss, Villa’s hopes of achieving their highest league finish in over a decade take a hit as mid-table obscurity awaits. Arsenal stay in the driver’s seat for fourth place and their first Champions League appearance since Arsène Wenger left.PREMIER LEAGUE – ROUND 30March 10thNorwich – Chelsea 1-3 (0-2)/Pukki 69 pen – Chalobah 3, Mount 14, Havertz 90/FridayWolverhampton – Leeds 2-3 (2-0)/Jony 26, Trincao 45+11 – Harrison 63, Rodrigo 66, Ayling 90+1/SaturdayAston Villa – Arsenal 0-1 (0-1)/Saka 30/Burnley – Southampton POSTPONEDManchester City – Brighton POSTPONEDSunday17:00: (2.25) Leicester (3.30) Brentford (3.25)19:30: (1.80) Tottenham (3.60) West Ham (4.60)Liverpool – Manchester United POSTPONEDNewcastle – Crystal Palace POSTPONEDWatford – Everton POSTPONED***odds are subject to change
