Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates after the final whistle
Arsenal 3-1 Aston Villa
by Layth Yousif
at Ashburton Grove
Arsenal beat Aston Villa 3-1 with a convincing display of firepower at an atmospheric Arsenal stadium on Friday evening.
In an adventurous and high-tempo performance full of energy, verve, creativity and commitment, Mikel Arteta’s Gunners blew away the tepid visitors to deliver what was arguably the best performance under his management.
On an entertaining night featuring many excellent performances from the north Londoners, who opted for a 4-4-2 formation – as lively as they were sluggish during the 2-2 draw with Crystal Place four days previously – former academy graduate starlet Emile Smith Rowe shone.
Mikel Arteta has been receiving criticism in some quarters for his supposed negativity – but Arsenal reporter LAYTH YOUSIF insists the Gunners boss is on the right lines
Substitutes Gabi Martinelli and Leo Trossard seal Champions League victory in Bilbao
