Aston Villa, a surprise team in the 2nd position (early days but still impressive for them) look like a very confident side and sharp on the counter attack.  They looked likely to score and the experts panels & commentators were expecting a draw. And it certainly looked like Aston Villa could score a few and win as Arsenal struggled to find any flair upfront. Villa could have & should taken the lead when Ciaran Clark’s header, assisted by Tom Cleverley with a cross from the right side of the six yard box, is saved in the bottom right corner by Szczesny.

And then…suddenly the goals poured in for Arsenal. First Ozil & then Welbeck who score his first goal in an Arsenal jersey. And then an own goal by Cissokho. 3-0 in about 3 minutes. Mesut Özil left footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal, assisted by Danny Welbeck with a through ball. Ozil returned the favour by assisting on Danny Welbeck’s first goal since being traded from Manchester United as he right footed shot from very close range to the high centre of the goal. And then the cross by Gibbs which was turned into his own goal by Cissokho; had he not put it The Ox was in fine position to slam home for a goal.

The second half was a stranger one as Arsenal seemed in no real urgency to increase that scoreline while dominating possession. Villa also didn’t want to embarrass themselves with a large score loss and hence it was a little sedate and less energetic. Arsenal wins 3-0 away at Villa Park and that should  give the Gunners, Ozil & Welbeck in particular, a lot of confidence.