Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal: Trezeguet winner rescues Villa out of relegation zone

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Villa was boosted before kick-off by relegation rivals Watford's 4-0 defeat by Manchester City, and the positivity continued as Trezeguet scored his third goal in three games, lashing home at the far post from a corner (27), according to Sky Sports.

Trezeguet fires Aston Villa ahead against Arsenal Photo: Sky Sports

Sub Keinan Davis had a golden chance to double Villa's lead in the second half, slipping the ball wide from an angle, moments before Eddie Nketiah headed onto the post from a corner as Villa's lead hung by a thread.

While, Arsenal fans made their feelings clear to owner Stan Kroenke with concerns over the upcoming transfer budget, flying a banner over Villa Park reading 'Back Arteta Kroenke Out.'

There was more reason for concern among Gunners fans as they conceded from another set-piece. Conor Hourihane's corner was flicked on at the near post by Tyrone Mings, and Trezeguet was on hand 12 yards out at the back post to fire a fine low shot into the bottom-right corner.

Trezeguet fires Aston Villa ahead against Arsenal Photo: Sky Sports

Arsenal was desperately disappointing, three days after reaching the FA Cup Final, and further underlined the task in front of manager Mikel Arteta. He refused to criticize his Arsenal players for a meek display following their weekend victory against City. He sent congratulation to Aston Villa "Congratulations to Villa because they were put under a lot of pressure and they managed to win the game. We were in some really good positions but we didn't manage to deliver the ball”.

"Emotionally and physically it's been a very demanding week but I saw a team who wanted to fight until the end. I'm not disappointed with the attitude. I know where we are in certain areas and where we need to improve more. We will get that”, he added.

Peak Arsenal, maybe, and this defeat dropped them to 10th place and means they will finish outside the top six for the first time in 25 years.

Trezeguet winner moves Villa out of drop zone Photo: Evening Standard

Concerning team news, Aston Villa was completely unchanged from their 1-1 draw at Everton. Despite Hause returning, Elmohamady stayed right-back, with Konsa staying in the middle. Meanwhile, Arsenal made six changes from the side that beat Man City in the FA Cup semi-final. Soares, Saka, Holding, Kolasinac, Torreira, and Nketiah came in, replacing Bellerin, Maitland-Niles, Mustafi (injured), Tierney, Pepe, and Xhaka. There was no room in the matchday squad for Ozil or Guendouzi, reported Sky Sport.

Dean Smith hails Aston Villa's 'courage and heart' as Arsenal win leaves Premier League fate in their own hands

Villa’s win meant they capitalized on Watford’s thrashing at home to Manchester City earlier in the day and ensured the relegation dogfight will go to the final day of the campaign.

Villa’s fate is now in their own hands as they prepare to meet West Ham United on Sunday, while Watford faces a tricky trip to face Arsenal at the Emirates. The two sides are level on 34 points, with Bournemouth three points behind ahead of their trip to Everton.

The momentum appears to be with Villa ahead of a dramatic last round of fixtures, with Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster saying his team’s confidence is “crazy, crazy low” after their 4-0 loss to a Raheem Sterling-inspired City.

Dean Smith hails Aston Villa's 'courage and heart' Photo: Shutterstock

“It was a great performance but an even better result,” said Smith. “We knew we had to show a lot of courage, heart, and work-rate and we did that. We needed this. We have got to go and do the same against West Ham on Sunday.

“It's a big boost, that's for sure. We knew we had to win to catch Watford up. Now we've got the season in our own hands and that's all you can ask for”, he added.

Photo: Standard.co.uk

Jack Grealish, the Villa captain, admitted it had been a nerve-wracking few hours for the club as they awaited news from Vicarage Road, reported Telegraph.

“It [the victory] feels unbelievable,” said Grealish. “It has been a tense day but all we can do is focus on ourselves. It's in our hands now and it's up to us what we do on the last day.”

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