Arsenal encountered many difficulties against Aston Villa. The home team had very good opportunities to take the lead but failed to take advantage. Meanwhile, Arsenal played excellently in the final stages of the match, scoring 2 goals from Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey.
"The players showed a lot of character. Aston Villa played more defensively than we expected, but we adapted and the whole team played bravely.
Once again, when the team needed outstanding individuals, they stood up and showed their abilities. That's the reason why we won. They had a great chance but David Raya made an unbelievable save and it was the magical moment of the game.
Arsenal conceded very few goals and this is a very commendable achievement for the team because this was a difficult match. When we needed Raya, he was there and made a great save,” Arteta told BBC Radio 5 Live.
This victory helps Arsenal have all 6 points after 2 matches and continue to compete with Man City in the race for the championship.
Arteta also spoke about the impact of Trossard, who scored the winning goal with the first touch of the ball, after coming on as a substitute in the second half.
"Arsenal created a lot of good situations but we didn't convert that into points. To be a great team, a well-rounded team, you need everyone to contribute. What the players are up to is what they did today, especially Leo Trossard, was unbelievable.
He has scored many times as a substitute and I am very grateful to him, because I know he does not like attendants. Trossard deserves to start. Since he came on the field, he has made a difference,” the Gunners coach shared.
Goalkeeper David Raya, who made a brilliant save after Watkins' header in the 55th minute, spoke modestly about himself. He emphasized that it was not the best save of his career.
"Everyone in the team is a hero because we work together. It was an important moment in the match when the score was 0-0 and Aston Villa had a chance, but I was there at the right time to Saves Ollie Watkins' header.
I just saw Ollie rush in there so I reacted as quickly as possible. It's just a repetition of things. You do drills and have to save one ball and then get up to save another ball. This time it was successful. This was a reaction, I don't think it was my best save. I try to help the team win as much as possible," David Raya shared on Sky Sports.
Last season, David Raya won the Golden Glove title with 16 clean sheets. Right at the beginning of this season, Arsenal had 2 wins and kept clean sheets - their best performance since the 1971-1972 season.
