The Belgian stepped off the bench to open the scoring at Villa Park and ensure the Gunners made it two wins from two to start the season
Arsenal were indebted to goalkeeper David Raya and super-substitute Leandro Trossard as they struggled for long periods against Aston Villa, only to come away with what could prove to be a vital 2-0 win come the end of the season.
The Gunners did, in fairness, start brightly, and only a fingertip save from Emiliano Martinez kept out a curling effort from Bukayo Saka. They were lucky not to go in at the break behind, however, as Ollie Watkins somehow missed a gilt-edged chance after Gabriel Magalhaes gave the ball away on the edge of his own penalty area.
Villa continued to push for a goal after half-time, and Watkins again should have scored after Amadou Onana's deflected effort bounced towards the striker after hitting the crossbar, only for Raya to throw himself in front of the England international's close-range header.
And that proved to be the turning point in the match, as just moments later, Trossard came off the bench and with one of his first touches fired into the bottom corner after Saka pulled a cross back from the by-line. The Belgium international was then heavily involved in the goal that sealed the points, too, as his cross eventually found Saka, who in turn laid the ball on a plate for Thomas Partey to fire in from 20 yards.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Villa Park…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
David Raya (8/10):
Sensational save denied Watkins from close-range early in the second half. Commanded his penalty area excellently as he dealt with a number of crosses.
Ben White (5/10):
Struggled to truly impose himself on the game at either end of the pitch. Not bad, but not his best either.
Wiliam Saliba (8/10):
Led the Gunners' backline superbly. Showed great strength to keep Watkins from creating much and cut out a couple of dangerous passes as Villa cut through the visitors. Remarkable recovery denied Ramsey from halving the deficit late on, too.
Gabriel Magalhaes (6/10):
Fortunate that Watkins let him off the hook after losing the ball in a dangerous area. A little rash at times, which eventually led to his booking. Fine diagonal pass into Trossard's path led to the second goal.
Jurrien Timber (5/10):
Movement into midfield helped open up space for others, but couldn't effect the game all that much in possession. Won a couple of battles up against Bailey.
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Thomas Partey (6/10):
Struggled to deal with Rogers' powerful runs from deep, but did make a couple of decent challenges before sealing the points with a long-range effort.
Declan Rice (5/10):
Looked to get forward and join in attacks, but that did mean he found himself on the wrong side when Villa countered. Booked in the first half.
Martin Odegaard (4/10):
Ran down too many blind alleys on the edge of the Villa area, leading to turnovers in possession. Had a couple of bright moments, but the Gunners needed more from their skipper even before he blazed over a chance to make it 3-0.
Getty ImagesAttack
Bukayo Saka (7/10):
Denied by an excellent Martinez save early on, but was kept very quiet for a while by Digne. Eventually came back to life when his willingness to not give up on Odegaard's overhit pass led to the opening goal, and he then claimed the assist for Partey's strike, too.
Kai Havertz (5/10):
Had a couple of nice touches with his back to goal, but his play inside the Villa penalty area left a lot to be desired. Did play his part in Trossard's goal, however.
Gabriel Martinelli (4/10):
Pacey dribbling caused panic in the Villa box, but his final ball and decision-making was severely lacking. Will do well to keep his place given Trossard's impact.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Leandro Trossard (8/10):
What an impact! Took his goal with aplomb and caused countless problems down the left. Excellent run and cross led to Partey's strike, too.
Riccardo Calafiori (6/10):
Put himself about a bit on his Premier League debut.
Reiss Nelson (N/A):
On for Saka in stoppage-time.
Mikel Arteta (6/10):
His team lacked urgency with the ball and were lucky not to be 2-0 down before he threw on Trossard to devastating effect. A mixed evening, then, for the Spaniard.