An Ollie Watkins brace in the second half and Bukayo Saka’s first-half own goal handed the three points to Aston Villa who are making their best start in 22 seasons.

It came against a Gunners side who boasted the meanest defence in the Premier League heading into the encounter as Villa, who also saw John McGinn’s early strike ruled out by VAR, secured a third successive away win in the top flight for the first time since 2010.

The triumph sees Dean Smith’s side move on to 15 points from their opening seven matches and ensures they head into the international in high spirits.

Alexandre Lacazette headed over a good opportunity in the 41st from Kieran Tierney’s cross but it was Smith’s side who led at the break.

The hard-working Trezeguet was denied by Leno at his near post three minutes after the restart, before captain Jack Grealish was thwarted by the Germany international shortly afterwards.

Rob Holding pulled wide for the Gunners just after the hour mark while substitute Nicolas Pepe sent a shot off target.

But the visitors wrapped up all three points courtesy of two quickfire goals from Watkins.

Douglas Luiz, making his 50th Villa appearance, found Barkley with a cross-field pass and his superb volley was headed home by Watkins at close range in the 72nd minute.

Grealish saw his strike cleared off the line by Dani Ceballos before the Villans did bag a third.

Emi Martinez, returning to Arsenal for the first time since his summer switch, set up the counter-attack as his throw found Grealish and he broke down the left before setting up Watkins to fire home and seal a memorable night.

Photo Credit: premierleague.com