Bukayo Saka Scores As Impressive Arsenal Beat Aston Villa in Highly Entertaining Premier League Fixture

• Aston Villa vs Arsenal saw the Gunners push further ahead in the race to finish fourth in the Premier League
• Bukayo Saka scored the only goal of the encounter in the first half after Cedric’s long cross was half-volleyed into the net
• Victory in the encounter takes Arsenal to 54 points with a game in hand, while Man Utd are fifth with 50 points

Bukayo Saka's first-half goal was all Arsenal needed to defeat Aston Villa at the Villa Park as the Gunners cement complement their fourth position on the Premier League standings.

Mikel Arteta knew that victory in this particular encounter will boost their chances of a top-four finish, and the Gunners did it in style.

A 30th-minute strike from Bukayo Saka was all the north London club needed to claim maximum points on Saturday afternoon.

Arsenal had to fight for the win and they came close as early as the 3rd minute when Ashley Young misjudged a pass to Saka, who got free down the right and pulled back to Odegaard, Guardian reports.

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It was an almost identical pull-back to the one that led to a goal at Watford a few weeks back, and to the same player, but this time his path to goal wa blocked so he laid off to Smith-Rowe, who blasted over.

Arsenal took the lead on the half-hour mark as Bukayo Saka’s low shot, found a way through!

Cedric’s long cross was headed down, bobbled off a few players to Saka, whose first-time half-volley wasn’t cleanly hit but found a way through a posse of players, surprised a clearly unsighted Martinez, and hit the net. 1-0 Arsenal.

The hosts almost restored parity in the 52nd minute as Ashley Young cut inside from the left and sent a delicious cross towards the far post, but Gabriel won the header and sent it behind.

In the stoppage-time, Villa sent a long cross onto Traore’s head, but he headed wide instead of back across goal, and was offside anyway. It ended; Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal.

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Thomas Partey reportedly converts to Islam

Sports Brief earlier reported that Ghana and Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has reportedly converted to Islam after months of studying the religion at his base in England.

The 28-year-old is yet to confirm his switch in religions, but reports widespread on social media have stated he is now a Muslim.

It is yet to be revealed the reason for his conversion, but information gathered also disclosed Partey is dating a Moroccan lady, who could be behind his decision to convert.