Topics: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal, Aston Villa, English Premier League
The young Three Lions talent continued his brilliant season, netting the only goal in the Gunners' crucial victory at Villa Park.

Bukayo Saka's season continues to get better! The young Arsenal attacker maintained his lovely goalscoring form, netting the opening goal in the Gunners' crucial trip to Aston Villa in the latest round of English top-flight fixtures.

Despite playing late on Wednesday, the north London giants were called into action in Saturday's early kick-off, traveling to Villa Park in one of a handful of weekend Premier League games. Given the heated race to finish in the top four, Arteta's men knew that this was a must-win tie for the inexperienced squad.

The visitors began extremely well, dominating the possession and pressing the hosts perfectly. Given that Arsenal created a number of opportunities early on, it did not take long for Arteta's side to break the deadlock.

A well-worked set piece saw Saka slot the ball past a crowd of Aston Villa players and into the back of the helpless Martinez's net. That goal turned out to be crucial for the north London giants as it so happened to be the winner, with the away side failing to kill off the game while the hosts struggled to threaten that lead.

That effort from Saka also helped secure a brilliant milestone for Arsenal as it was their 2000th goal in Premier League history. The Gunners are now only the third club to reach this feat, following in the footsteps of – surprise, surprise – Manchester United (2176) and Liverpool (2002). Chelsea (1954), who are in fourth, aren't far off from joining this elite group as well.

The Three Lions winger was awarded the Man of the Match prize for his contribution, but the most important thing from the 1-0 victory at Villa Park was the three points. Having lost 2-0 to Liverpool on Wednesday, Arsenal needed to respond immediately and return to winning ways amid the closely-contested top-four race.

The north London giants have now moved four points clear of fifth-placed Manchester United, who have played one extra game, and are six ahead of both sixth-placed West Ham and seventh-placed Tottenham. The Hammers and Spurs will face off on Sunday in this round's other standout fixture.