Arsenal handed Gabriel goal verdict amid Aston Villa fury - 'One holy mess'

Aston Villa were far from happy at the manner of Arsenal's opening goal in their Premier League clash at Emirates Stadium. Emiliano Martinez appeared to be fouled by Gabriel Magalhaes as he bundled home a Bukayo Saka corner just after half-time.

Martinez believed he was impeded with complaints made to referee Darren England by Villa captain John McGinn. However, Sky Sports co-commentator Alan Smith dismissed any idea there was a foul.

"Well Martinez has made one holy mess of this," the former Gunners striker said. "He's tried to catch it instead of putting a couple of fists through it in a congested six yard area.

"Challenge on him by Gabriel, he pulls Gabriel's shirt there first you can see. It just hits the defender. The 'keeper just gets done."

"Martinez goes to hold his face, there was a left arm of Gabriel but nowhere near enough to disallow this."

Villa could have no complaints about Arsenal's second goal that arrived moments later when Martin Odegaard released Martin Zubimendi through on goal and he poked past the Villa shot-stopper.

Following a timid opening 45 minutes, Mikel Arteta would have been hugely pleased by his side's start to the second period.

Without Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori, the Gunners were not at their best to begin with despite returns for Jurrien Timber and Gabriel.

However, the latter made his presence in the attacking third felt and very nearly got his head to another set-piece before Zubimendi struck.

Arsenal had already been handed a big injury boost earlier this evening with Kai Havertz joining Gabriel Jesus as a returnee to the matchday squad after a lengthy absence.

Ben White was also on the bench for the visit of Villa with Cristhian Mosquera the only remaining long-term injury blow in addition to what Arteta will hope are minor problems for Rice and Calafiori.

The former still travelled with the squad and regularly was captured by Sky Sports cameras enjoying the action. Arteta offered an update on his prognosis before the Villa clash.

He told Sky Sports: "Declan got a big kick in his knee at the start of the match [vs Brighton] actually and it had a massive swell up, so this game was too early for him.

Arteta added: "I hope so [he will not miss much action]. Once the swelling comes down he can start to function and he will be fine."