ASTON VILLA v ARSENAL: VILLANS OUT TO CAUSE TROUBLE IN GUNNERS TOP FOUR QUEST AT VILLA PARK IN PREMIER LEAGUE

A late flurry of pressure from Villa however, it's all over! Arsenal have secured a vital three points which ensures they retain fourth spot heading into the international break. A resilient, hard-working performance with Saka's goal giving them a deserved victory. Villa will be disappointed they couldn't cause more problems for their visitors, but will use the upcoming break to reset and prepare to go again in April when the Premier League returns.

There will be four minutes of added time at Villa Park. A cross-field ball clears the head of Cash and Arsenal will be in no rush to go anywhere fast. They will use every trick in the book to make sure they secure what would be a very hard-fought but professional victory and performance.

Odegaard makes way for Holding in the closing stages as Arsenal look to see this game out and take a vital three points back to the capital. Can they hold on or have Villa got something up their sleeves?

Five minutes plus stoppage time to go at Villa Park, where the hosts are continuing to push for a leveller but Arsenal remain resilient, getting bodies back in numbers to protect the slender lead the Gunners hold.

A like-for-like change for Villa in attack as Ings replaces Watkins for the final ten minutes of the match, as the hosts go in search of an allusive equaliser.

Captain Lacazette makes way for Nketiah as we enter the final fifteen minutes of the match. The game is hanging in the balance. One chance is all Villa need to alter the atmosphere in the stadium.

The Villa fans let out a loud roar in support of their team, Arsenal fans respond with cries of their own. It's all still to play for and the Gunners will be aiming to grab a second which would take them closer to a much needed three points.

Ramsey and Buendia make way for Traore and Bailey in two attacking changes for Villa. Meanwhile, Saka gets a well deserved rest and Pepe takes his place for Arsenal for the remaining twenty minutes of this match.

Great build-up play from Villa, that is so much better. Watkins twists and turns his man before unleashing a shot that is deflected onto the post. A really nice piece of build-up and almost a goal to show for it.

Another booking for the Gunners after Partey thwarted Cash as he charged forward. The resulting free-kick from Douglas Luiz was speculative, flying high of Leno's goal causing the German no bother.

Another chance for Arsenal. The goalscorer cuts inside from the right onto this left-foot and curls his effort shy of Martinez's far post. Saka has looked dangerous all afternoon and has been positive every time the ball has fallen at his feet.

A sight of goal for Villa as McGinn controls the ball on the edge of the box, opens up his body and bends a right-footed effort narrowly wide of Leno's far post. That is more encouraging from the hosts.

Villa are sending some long balls over the top and crosses into the box, searching for a way back into the match. Arsenal have retreated into their defensive shape, aiming to ride the storm and counter when the opportunity comes.

There is activity on the Villa bench and it looks likely that changes may be in the offing for the home side before too long. One thing which hasn't changed is the bookings as Cedric is the next Arsenal name to be taken as he trips Young on the left hand side.

More positive from Villa there as Young digs out a cross that was aimed for Watkins, the ball seemed to hang in the air before Gabriel rose highest to nod the ball away. Arsenal counter but Saka is crowded out before he can get a shot away.

McGinn concedes the ball in the middle of the park and Arsenal break. Odegaard gets a shot away but a deflection takes it behind for a corner which comes to nothing. Villa need to get hold of the ball and gain some control in the match.

Gerrard won't be happy with the way his team have started the second half, giving the ball away cheaply in costly areas. Spaces are opening up for Arsenal as Smith Rowe curls a shot into the grateful hands of Martinez from the edge of the box.

Arsenal get the game restarted with a narrow 1-0 lead thanks to Saka. The next goal in this game is crucial. An equaliser for Villa sets up a tasty battle but a second for Arsenal would swing the pendulum heavily in their favour, leaving Villa with a job on their hands. No changes for either side at the break.

The half-time whistle sounds and it's Arsenal who take a narrow lead into the break thanks to Saka's strike on the half hour mark. The Gunners have been the brighter side while Villa have struggled to get their danger men on the ball in good areas. Gerrard may look to make some tactical or personnel adjustments during the interval.

There will be a minimum of three minutes added time at the end of this first half. Arsenal get their first booking of the afternoon as Xhaka gets needlessly involved with Buendia, pushing the Argentine in the chest after a tussle for the ball.