Leandro Trossard scored with his first touch before Thomas Partey’s strike sealed a 2-0 victory for Arsenal over Aston Villa.
The Gunners were looking to avenge April’s defeat to Villa, which ultimately cost them their first title in 20 years, and dominated the early minutes of the contest.
Fresh from signing a new long-term deal at Villa Park, Emi Martinez was twice called upon to deny his former employers but it was Ollie Watkins who missed the best chance of the half for the hosts.
David Raya’s heroics at one end of the pitch allowed Trossard to put Arsenal in front before Partey rounded off a clinical second-half display.
A slightly delayed kick-off only built the atmosphere inside Villa Park and the crowd gave their players a standing ovation a…