Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa – Premier League LIVE
-John McGinn scores in the first minute but VAR rules it out
Confirmed teams
Arsenal: Leno, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney, Bellerin, Partey, Elneny, Saka, Willian, Lacazette, Aubameyang
Subs: Runarsson, Maitland-Niles, Luiz, Xhaka, Ceballos, Pepe, Nketiah
Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett, Luiz, McGinn, Trezeguet, Barkley, Grealish, Watkins
Subs: Steer, Elmohamady, Taylor, Nakamba, Hourihane, El Ghazi. Davis
Match preview
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is happy with the competition for places in his side at the moment.
He said: “Absolutely, I think medium and long-term it is something we will benefit from.
“First of all because the choices are open, the players have to raise their level – what they did last season doesn’t count, it is what they are doing now, how they are performing, how they are contributing to the team.
“I am really pleased that the players who haven’t had many minutes are still fit and willing to perform like they did last night.”
Arteta has also praised Jack Grealish and knows his side will have to keep the England international quiet if the Gunners are to beat Aston Villa.
He explained: “He is a top player, great talent, he is player who can make a difference at any moment in the game.
“He has this personality against any opponent, at any ground, to take the ball in any area of the pitch and he can make the difference, so we have to look after him.”
Arteta also responded to Gary Neville’s comments saying he looked ‘a million dollars’ in the dugout.
He added: “Well, I take Gary very seriously so if he says it in a good way then thanks to him! I try to be myself on the touchline.
“Sometimes though when I look at myself and I am constantly looking and shouting, I don’t really like it too much. But it’s the emotion and passion with which I live the game.”
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