Bukayo Saka’s lone strike on the half-hour mark was enough for the Gunners to secure all three points and hand Villa its 10th defeat in 12 games against teams above then in this division.
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Aston Villa boss Steven Gerard felt his side lacked belief in the 1-0 Premier League loss against Arsenal at Villa Park on Saturday. Bukayo Saka’s lone strike on the half-hour mark was enough for the Gunners to secure all three points and move to 54 points from 28 games. Meanwhile it was a poor performance from the hosts as they managed to register only one shot on target and lacked any kind of intent for most part of the game. Villa have now lost 10 of 12 games against teams above them in the division this term.
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The Gunners dominated the opening 30 minutes and deservedly took the lead when Cedric’s long ball was headed down towards the path of Saka, whose half-volley found a way though a number of players, past Emiliano Martinez and into the back of the net.
Speaking to BT Sport after the game, Gerard said: “It was a tough first half because we allowed it to be tough. I think we were indecisive in the things we tried to do.
“I think our performance lacked belief. It wasn’t until after half-time that we showed we can be better.
“We deserved to be behind in the first half. We were second best. We set up to be aggressive but lacked belief in what we were doing. I thought certain individuals lacked belief. It’s hard to execute a game plan if not everyone believes in what you are doing.
“We were less indecisive in the second half and off the back of that created four interesting moments. The performance was a lot more positive.
“The league doesn’t lie. Certain teams are ahead of us at the moment and there’s a reason for that. We’ve got to grab it off them, believe in what we’re doing and get support from up above.
“I’m emotional, I care, I don’t like getting beat.”
Villa midfielder John McGinn added: “It is disappointing. The first half was frustrating; Arsenal were comfortable on the ball and it took us far too long to get involved in the game.”
It was not until the hour-mark that Villa threatened a goal as John McGinn latched onto a mistake from Odegaard but fired his shot wide of Bernd Leno’s left-hand post.
“Second half, it was much better, but when you give teams a head start in this league it is difficult to come back.
“We weren’t good enough on or off the ball and showed Arsenal too much respect. We had words at half time to be more aggressive, to get after them more. We had chances, but it wasn’t meant to be.
“We want to be where West Ham are, that is the target and it is about sticking on the same page.”
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