English Premier League heavyweights Arsenal played out an entertaining, nailbiting, goal-filled 3-2 victory against newly promoted Mc’Ginn-led Aston Villa.
A wonderful Pierre Emerick Aubameyang free kick six minutes from time saved ten man Arsenal from humiliation on Sunday afternoon as the Gunners saw off a plucky Aston Villa side to ease the pressure on boss Unai Emery.
John McGinn opened the scoring for the Villains in the first half after latching onto a teasing cross from Anwar El Ghazi to guide the ball past Bernd Leno.
Arsenal were reduced to ten men before half time after Ainsley Maitland-Niles picked up his second yellow card for a late challenge on Neil Taylor.
The Gunners drew level through a Nicolas Pepe penalty after Matteo Guendouzi was brought down by Bjorn Engels.
That goal was the Ivorian’s first in an Arsenal shirt. However, Villa restored their lead moments later as Wesley got in front of David Luiz to prod home a fine Jack Grealish cross.
Callum Chambers dragged his side back into the game after capitalising on some poor defending to level the game before Aubameyang stepped up to fire home a wonderful free kick to give Arsenal all three points.