Aston Villa vs. Arsenal: Score, Grades and Reaction from Premier League Game

Arsenal bounced back from their Champions League disappointment at Borussia Dortmund with a 3-0 mauling of Aston Villa on Saturday.

Villa started the game in second place in the Premier League, having won three of their four games, but they had no answer to a rapid-fire three-goal blast from Arsenal.

Mesut Ozil, Danny Welbeck and an own goal from Aly Cissokho had Arsenal in complete command before half-time and they were able to ease through the contest to get their title challenge up and running.

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Fabian Delph was rewarded for his fine start to the season with a recent England call-up. He seems high on confidence at present and was the first to threaten for Villa, forcing a save out of Wojciech Szczesny after exchanging passes with Andreas Weimann.

Welbeck came into the game still seeking out his first goal in Arsenal colours and he passed up a couple of chances in the opening 20 minutes. On the first occasion, he sent a 20-yard drive fizzing over the bar, and on the second chance, he failed to make clean contact with a volley.

Villa looked sharp on the break, and an early kick upfield from Brad Guzan set Weimann away. However, his pass in search of Gabriel Agbonlahor lacked precision, allowing Szczesny to gather.

Ozil has come in for widespread criticism this season, but Arsene Wenger has kept the faith. And on 33 minutes, the manager was rewarded with a goal from the Germany international.

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Ozil is often the creator, but on this occasion, he latched on to a precision pass from Welbeck before calmly slotting the ball beyond Guzan.

Less than two minutes later, the roles were reversed. Ozil turned creator for Welbeck to open his Arsenal account.

Finding space on the left, Ozil delivered a beautiful cross into the box and Welbeck was on hand to smash the ball home from six yards.

Villa were at sixes and sevens, and fell further behind on 36 minutes. A cross from Kieran Gibbs was not well directed, but Cissokho panicked and sliced the ball into his own net.

The three Arsenal goals came in the space of three minutes and 12 seconds, and right after Ciaran Clark should have put Villa ahead.

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The defender rose unmarked at the far post to meet a free-kick. He only had Szczesny to beat, but sent his header straight at the Poland international.

Villa attempted to take the game to Arsenal in the second half, but they failed to craft the openings to test Szczesny as the Gunners eased their way to the three points.

The win moves Arsenal to within three points of leaders Chelsea, although they have played a game more.

After being completely dominated by Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League in midweek, it was an excellent way to bounce back.

What was of major importance, as far as the title race is concerned, was the performance of Ozil. He had a spring in his step from early in the contest and looked every bit the £42.5m player.

If he can continue to deliver similar performances, Arsenal will be a threat to all in the Premier League title race.

Grades

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Wojciech Szczesny: B+

The scoreline suggested an ultimately comfortable win, but Arsenal needed their keeper to make a couple of decent saves before taking the lead. Wenger bought David Ospina in the summer, but Szczesny has given him no reason to make any change.

Mesut Ozil: A

Ozil looked to have much more zip about him, even before scoring one goal and creating another. He was happy to come infield in search of the ball, and was more involved as a result.

Danny Welbeck: B+

Strikers thrive on goals and Welbeck now has his first. But before that, he showed there is plenty more to his game with an excellent pass for Ozil’s opener.

Mikel Arteta: C-

There were many positives for Arsenal, but there continue to be concerns about Arteta in the holding role. He was sloppy with his passing on occasions and did get caught in possession.

Post-Match Reaction

After getting his first goal in Arsenal colours, Welbeck said that he expects things to get even better once he beds in with his new team-mates:

"

I am delighted to get off the mark for Arsenal. It was a good team performance, we got in behind them and moved the ball well.

I am starting to know the players a lot better and I am sure in time the understanding will get even better.

"