Arsenal get top-four pursuit back on track with ‘well-deserved’ victory over Aston Villa as Bukayo Saka strike edges feisty encounter

Arsenal got their top-four pursuit back on track with a hard-earned 1-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday.

Man-of-the-match Bukayo Saka netted from the edge of the box in the first-half as the Gunners moved four points clear of Manchester United in fifth.

Mikel Arteta’s side dominated a scrappy game, but still required a slice of fortune to edge out their underwhelming hosts.

Saka’s tame effort from 20 yards went through a crowd of Villa bodies and despite being unsighted, ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez did not cover himself in glory.

Reacting on commentary for talkSPORT, Sunderland legend Micky Gray said: “They deserve that, they’ve been outstanding.”

A controversial challenge from Tyrone Mings in the first-half sparked a feisty encounter, with Saka on the end of numerous big challenges, as the spirit of Arteta’s side was tested.

The Gunners were, indeed, good value for the victory, having bossed possession and nullified Steven Gerrard’s men for large spells.

However, in a match devoid of clear-cut chances, Villa’s Ollie Watkins hit the post in the second-half and Danny Ings headed a decent chance over the bar with five minutes remaining.

Stand-in Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno was required to save a Philippe Coutinho free-kick with the last kick of the game.

Gray added: “Arsenal have had to defend far more than they should’ve done in this game.

“Maybe it’ll be a learning curve to go and get that second goal.”

After losing their five-match winning streak with a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday, Arsenal will be delighted to re-establish themselves as favourites for Champions League qualification, especially after a three-day turnaround.

Meanwhile, Villa stay ninth after a second-consecutive defeat.