Summary

  • Saka gives Arsenal win at Aston Villa in Saturday's only Premier League game

  • Fourth-placed Arsenal move four points clear of Man Utd

  • Aston Villa stay ninth, 10 points off Wolves in eighth

  1. Goodbyepublished at 15:19 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2022

    FT: Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal

    That's all from me.

    Don't forget to join Emlyn Begley for live commentary of today's FA Cup quarter-final between Middlesbrough and Chelsea from 16:15 GMT.

    Thanks for your company this afternoon. Bye for now.

  2. 'I'm so proud of the boys'published at 15:17 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2022

    FT: Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal

    Arsenal

    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta speaking to BT Sport: "We talked before the match about the need to be sharp and physical. We controlled the game. We could have scored more and that is where we have to take the team. We have to put chances away; in the Premier League, you cannot dominate 96 minutes, this is impossible, but I'm really pleased with how we competed in every phase of the play. I'm really proud of the boys.

    "They are showing character, courage and quality. You can see the connection they have. It is phenomenal to watch. If you want to be a top team, you have to win home and away. We are doing that consistently and we have to continue. We really want [the top four] and we are going to give it a go."

  3. Postpublished at 15:17 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2022

    FT: Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal

    There's plenty more FA Cup and Premier League action to look forward to this weekend. Here's what's in store...

    Saturday

    FA Cup

    Middlesbrough v Chelsea (17:15 GMT)

    Sunday

    FA Cup

    Crystal Palace v Everton (12:30 GMT)

    Southampton v Manchester City (15:00 GMT)

    Nottingham Forest v Liverpool (18:00 GMT)

    Premier League

    Leicester City v Brentford (14:00 GMT)

    Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United (16:30 GMT)

  4. Postpublished at 15:13 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2022

    FT: Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal

    Arsenal's jubilant celebrations at the final whistle showed just how significant they feel this result could be as the north London club seek to return to the Champions League for the first time in five years.

    The win was based on a vibrant first-half display, followed up by a resilient defensive performance after the break.

    Head here for Tom Mallows' match report in full.

  5. Postpublished at 15:11 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2022

    FT: Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal

    Do you agree you should have got a point, Villa fans?

  6. 'We deserved a draw'published at 15:08 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2022

    FT: Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal

    Aston Villa

    Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard speaking to BBC MOTD: "We were really indecisive first half, and lacked belief collectively. We were dominated and second best, but still in a position at half time to do something about it.

    "We improved second half and believed more. As the game went on, we got into better positions. We improved, but no complaints about the scoreline. I don't think teams like Arsenal are a step too far, but there is a gap we need to close. We are working on that. We've got to make it a lot more difficult in the first half, because the reaction we got was much more like us.

    "Do I think we deserved to win? No, but I believe we should have got a draw out of the game."

  7. 'We played fantastically well'published at 15:08 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2022

    FT: Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal

    Arsenal

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It’s a very big win for us. I thought we played fantastically well, but we didn’t put the game to bed when we had the chances. Then you suffer, but we showed the resilience to win.

    "Villa are a very good team and to come here is always extremely difficult. We managed to do the things we wanted to do in the match and I think we deserved to win the game.

    "The connection between the players and the fans is exceptional and that gives you a lot of energy and belief. There’s still 10 games to go and you can see how small the margins are. The key is that we are there [in the top four] and that we believe we can do it."

    On squad depth: "It’s been tough for Bernd [Leno], not playing the minutes he's been used to in his career, but Aaron [Ramsdale] was there to support him. Emile [Smith Rowe] has had some issues in the last few weeks and came in for 90 minutes because he’s managed to look after himself well."

    On Bukayo Saka's contribution:"[Our attackers] have to make the difference when they play for a big club, that’s their duty. And we have to do it more."

  8. 'Our performance lacked belief'published at 14:59 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2022

    FT: Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal

    Aston Villa

    Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard speaking to BT Sport: "It was a tough first half because we allowed it to be tough. I think we were indecisive in the things we tried to do. I think our performance lacked belief. It wasn’t until after half-time that we showed we can be better.

    "We deserved to be behind in the first half. We were second best. We set up to be aggressive but lacked belief in what we were doing. I thought certain individuals lacked belief. It’s hard to execute a game plan if not everyone believes in what you are doing.

    "We were less indecisive in the second half and off the back of that created four interesting moments. The performance was a lot more positive.

    "The league doesn’t lie. Certain teams are ahead of us at the moment and there’s a reason for that. We’ve got to grab it off them, believe in what we’re doing and get support from up above.

    "I’m emotional, I care, I don’t like getting beat."

  9. Postpublished at 14:59 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2022

    FT: Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal

    Aston Villa

    Here comes Steven Gerrard. He's not a happy man.

  10. 'We showed them too much respect'published at 14:56 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2022

    FT: Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal

    Aston Villa

    Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn speaking to BT Sport: "It is disappointing. The first half was frustrating; Arsenal were comfortable on the ball and it took us far too long to get involved in the game. Second half, it was much better, but when you give teams a head start in this league it is difficult to come back.

    "We weren't good enough on or off the ball and showed Arsenal too much respect. We had words at half time to be more aggressive, to get after them more. We had chances, but it wasn't meant to be.

    "We want to be where West Ham are, that is the target and it is about sticking on the same page."

  11. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 14:52 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2022

    #bbcfootball or text 81111 (UK only)

    This was a game tailor-made for Coutinho. He was anonymous. You can begin to see why he didn't make it at Barcelona or Bayern.

    CH, Warwick

  12. 'The early goal helped us'published at 14:50 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2022

    FT: Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal

    Arsenal

    Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It’s very, very, very satisfying. I thought we created a lot. We started very well. The early goal helped us get into the game, but we need to start finishing games to prevent things from getting too nervy.

    "My ankle is a bit bloody, but I’ll be going again in the next game. It’s part of my game, so I’ll be doing it again next time.

    "We defended really well. Credit to the goalkeeper and defence, who were so solid again.The way we defended and saw out the game, we’ve done that quite a few times this season. It’s making a real difference.

    "We have to treat each game like a cup final. [The top four] is definitely possible."

    On the depth of Arsenal's squad: "It’s not just about the quality, it’s about the spirit and the passion everyone puts in, no matter who comes in. That’s the most important thing and that’s what’s helping us get these wins."

  13. 'We've got to stay humble'published at 14:45 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2022

    FT: Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal

    Arsenal

    Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka speaking to BT Sport: "To win today was big. To get the result and three points makes us really happy. The goal set us up; we created a few chances before and after, but that goal put us in the driving seat."

    On speaking to the referee at full time: "I wasn't complaining, but I wanted to let him know that is my game. I'm going to run at players; sometimes I need a bit more protection when the opposition is trying to kick me."

    On Arsenal being more resilient: "We are better at it. We have been working on it and improving, you can see that. The Champions League is the goal, but we've got to stay humble."

  14. Postpublished at 14:44 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2022

    FT: Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal

    Premier League tableImage source, BBC Sport

    How good does this look, Arsenal fans?

  15. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 14:37 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2022

    #bbcfootball or text 81111 (UK only)

    Paul Collins: Arsenal are a better team than the rest challenging for 4th. That’s a good win today. Man Utd aren’t even a cohesive team and Spurs are inconsistent. We all expected them to lose to Liverpool who, along with City, are miles ahead of the rest. They’ve bounced back today.

  16. Postpublished at 14:35 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2022

    FT: Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal

    Bukayo Saka has just described Arsenal's 1-0 win as a "very big one" in the Gunners' season.

    More reaction from Villa Park coming right up.

  17. Postpublished at 14:31 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2022

    FT: Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal

    Villa improved after half-time but never really created enough to warrant anything against the Gunners.

    Bukayo Saka was sensational, particularly in the first half.

  18. 'What a result'published at 14:29 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2022

    FT: Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal

    Michael Brown
    Former Manchester City midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

    Just look at that team spirit, all together in the penalty area. Villa dug in and pushed Arsenal right back.

    What a result for Arsenal.

  19. FULL-TIMEpublished at 14:28 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2022

    Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal

    Arsenal bounce back from Wednesday's defeat by Liverpool and move four points clear of Manchester United in fifth.

    It's back-to-back defeats for Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa.

    Arsenal players celebrateImage source, Getty Images
  20. Postpublished at 90+4 mins

    Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal

    Philippe Coutinho goes for goal but it's a straightforward save for Bernd Leno.

    That'll be the last action of the game...