Not as good as expected. I expected this game to be a fast paced exciting one, however I couldn’t have been more wrong, was never going to be that exciting when Arsenal are involved. The first half was a tough watch if I’m completely honest. It was a slow game with Arsenal mainly keeping the ball and moving it slowly around the backline. Apart from Emi Buendia striking the crossbar, nothing really happened. The second half livened up a bit and Arsenal unfortunately took a deserved lead when a great piece of play by Riccardo Calafiori resulted in a simple tap in for Saka. From then on it was really just a holding on job for Arsenal, and without much threat up front, a clear cut chance never really materialised for Aston Villa. Another game with 0 shots on target for them, a cause for concern. I must say Villa Park looked extremely strange with the construction ongoing in the Trinity Road stand, I wonder if that will hinder the atmosphere and Villas home performances this season? I was impressed with Jackson on his debut, in an environment where he had a lack of support, up against the best defence in the league I think he held his own really well. He skinned Gabriel once and his hold up play was quite impressive, unfortunately he didn’t get his chance in front of goal. Overall it was an underwhelming game, and as far as results go, it’s a classic 0-1 win for Arsenal. Villa shouldn’t feel too beat up about that, no shame in the performance and many new signings yet to make their debuts, onto next week.