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Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
ASTON Villa recorded a shock 1-0 triumph over Arsenal at Villa Park on Tuesday to boost their chances of survival from the English Premier League.
The win saw Dean Smith’s men get out of the relegation zone on a night when Watford were drubbed 4-0 at home by Manchester City.
Villa, who have Zimbabwean midfielder Marvelous Nakamba in their books are 17thon the log and have all to do in their last match of the season against West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday. Nakamba was introduced as a 73rd minute substitute for Irishman Conor Hourihane and played his part in ensuring that his side held on to the one goal advantage to claim the three points.
Egyptian Mahmoud Ahmed Ibrahim Hassan, commonly known as Trezeguet struck in the 27th minute for Villa when he received the ball unmarked from a Tyrone Mings corner kick before rifling past Emiliano Martínez from inside the box.
Wednesday’s triumph was Aston Villa’s first Premier League win over Arsenal at home since they defeated the Gunners 3-2 in December 1998. Before Wednesday’s win, they had gone for 17 matches without a win against the visitors.
The Claret and Blue have survival in their own hands come Sunday with victory over the Hammers all they need to guarantee premiership football next season. Nakamba and his teammates can still survive even if they lose to West Ham, provided Watford are beaten by Arsenal and Bournemouth do not get three points away at Everton.
@Mdawini_29
Online Reporter