3
13:36
Arsenal make their first appearance in the opponent’s penalty area! Saka is sent down the line on the right flank and passes Ødegaard on the edge of the box. This lays again to the left to Smith Rowe, but he flicks the leather about two meters over the crossbar with the first contact.
1
13:32
The ball is rolling in Villa Park! The hosts toast.
12:56
Arsenal recently suffered a bit of a setback, losing 2-0 at home to Jürgen Klopp’s Reds midweek. Nonetheless, the Londoners are still in very good shape in fourth place, still a point ahead of Manchester United, who also have two games less under their belt. It is clear that the Gunners are back on the road to success today and want to get a threesome. Surprisingly, today they use the services of a German national player or have to do so. Bernd Leno replaces Aaron Ramsdale in the box, who is out with a hip injury – how long is still unclear. The ex-Leverkusener can prove himself again today after he had to give up his regular place this season. National coach Hansi Flick also noticed this and did not take it into account for the upcoming international break.
12:45 p.m
Steven Gerrard’s Villans are currently ninth (36 points) in the English league and remain neutral there. You have nothing to do with either the fight for Europe or the relegation battle. This is mainly due to the significantly more stable performance since the beginning of the second half of the season. For comparison: After the end of the first series, Aston Villa were in 13th place with 22 points and still had a negative goal difference of 24:28. This has since been reversed and is currently 41:39. Of course, the name of Philippe Coutinho should also be mentioned, who has already had seven direct goals in nine league games since he came on loan in England. If the club’s officials have their way, the Brazilian can play at Villa beyond the summer transfer window.
12:30 p.m
Happy Saturday afternoon and welcome to the Premier League! Arsenal travel to Birmingham today and play Aston Villa. Kick-off is at 1:30 p.m.!