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Football London
Football London
Sport
Sam Hill

What Martin Odegaard did after win vs Aston Villa as Arsenal take advantage of Man City slip up

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard made one young fan's day following a late 4-2 win against Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon. The Gunners came from behind twice to eventually take all three points against Unai Emery's side.

An early goal from Ollie Watkins was quickly nullified by Bukayo Saka's fierce strike in the first half. Philippe Coutinho put the hosts 2-1 ahead just before half-time before Oleksandr Zinchenko's strike from distance pulled Arsenal back level on the hour mark.

It was a chaotic final six minutes on injury time as Jorginho saw his effort come back off the crossbar, only for the ball to deflect into the back of the net off of former Gunners goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The Argentina World Cup winner looked to redeem himself as he went forward for a last-minute Villa corner, only for Arsenal to counter-attack through Fabio Vieira with Gabriel Martinelli being sent through on goal to pass the ball into an empty net and secure all three points.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta heaps praise on Arsenal star who 'makes everyone else better' as £45m issue solved

Odegaard will have breathed a sigh of relief that the north Londoners ended up winning the game after the Norwegian playmaker missed a glorious opportunity to put his side ahead late in the second half. The captain did not give up and had a brilliant second half performance, helping lead his team back to the top of the table.

Following the match, Odegaard showed his appreciation to the travelling away fans by giving his match shirt to a young supporter. The Gunners star went over to the away end to hand his shirt to the fan along with a big hug after a tough match.

The young boy was clearly delighted as he proudly showed off his gift to the other fans who gave Odegaard a huge cheer for his efforts and kind gesture. Martinelli and Saka were among those to also show their appreciation for the huge support as they celebrated with fans.

Mikel Arteta revealed that Saka is 'fine' after an early injury scare in the match as well as calling for more protection for his star forward. Martinelli ended his goal drought for the Gunners and showed his passion to the fans following his late goal as he shouted: "This is Arsenal!"

The north Londoners will now prepare to face Leicester City as they look to stay top of the table and hold onto their two point lead. Arsenal have a game in hand which will be played against Everton at the Emirates Stadium later this season which could see them move five points clear of City who dropped points against Nottingham Forest after their win against the Gunners earlier this week.

READ NEXT:

Why Jorginho shouted at Ben White as Arsenal's title hopes restored following Arteta masterclass

Arsenal player ratings vs Aston Villa as White good, Saka shows fight, Martinelli impact

Jorginho silences critics, glorious Martinez – Arsenal winners and losers from Aston Villa win

Arsenal fans react to Granit Xhaka and Oleksandr Zinchenko displays vs Villa

Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium

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