Aston Villa take Arsenal by storm after defeating the north London side 3-0 on a rainy night at Emirates Stadium.

A nicely worked first goal, and a double from Ollie Watkins concluded an embarrassing night for Mikel Arteta and co.

Arsenal lacked major creativity in the first 45. The front three had saw very little of the ball. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was a shadow of his usual self.

The Gunners were failing to cope with Aston Villa's threat from the left-hand side before the interval. Jack Grealish and Matt Targett were enjoying good link-up play.

The hour mark hit and the game was very similar to the first-half despite Arsenal trying to push for an equaliser. 

Nicolas Pepe and Eddie Nketiah were brought on in hope of salvaging at least a point. 

The departing two, Alexandre Lacazette and Willian, had offered very little all night. 

The latter half belonged to the visitors. A Watkins double put further misery on Arteta.

  • Story of the game

Villa started the game in the best possible fashion once John McGinn's effort hit the top corner. 

After minutes of uncertainty, VAR ruled the effort out for offside. Arsenal were handed a huge warning and thanks to the technology, it remained 0-0.

The 20 minute mark had passed and both goalkeepers had remained quiet. Arsenal were finding most joy down their left-hand side but they failed to create any real chance.

The visitors were trying to find Ollie Watkins at number nine. The former Brentford man was being stifled by The Gunners centre-half pairing, meaning he was relatively quiet. 

The Midlands side finally had their breakthrough counted for after 25 minutes. Trezeguet lurked at the back-post to break the deadlock.

the build-up play was terrific. Ross Barkley, Grealish and Targett were all involved. The latter got the assist which fired Villa into the lead.

Thomas Partey tried his luck five minutes before half-time. The midfielder blazed one over the bar from outside the area.

This was an indication on how the game was going from a Gunners perspective. 

Alexandre Lacazette had a golden chance moments later. The French striker flashed a header over the bar, failing to make his former colleague, Emi Martinez, make any kind of save.

Dani Ceballos was introduced at half-time with the aim to create more chances in and around the opposing final third.

The home side did look more lively, but they were still failing to cause Villa any major concerns. A similar tail to the first half.

Substitute, Pepe, tried his luck with a trademark left-footed curling shot just shy of 70 minutes. His effort sailed wide of the far post. 

In the space of three minutes, between 72 and 75, Watkins scored twice. The forward netted his eight of the season once the latter goal found the back of the net. 

Despite his second goal probably bringing more elation, his first was superb viewing. 

Douglas Luiz angled a ball to Ross Barkley, who crossed first time to find the number 11. 

The conclusion was joy for Villa, heartache for Arsenal. This victory will give Dean Smith's side great confidence going forward, leaving Arteta with questions to be asked.