In a thrilling showdown at Villa Park, Unai Emery's Villa and Mikel Arteta's Arsenal delivered an enthralling spectacle under the floodlights amidst a sea of passionate fans. However, at the final whistle, it was Arteta and his Gunners who celebrated a hard-fought victory, finally breaking their Villa hoodoo and taking a significant step forward. Let's delve into what we learned from this pulsating encounter.

One cannot dispute that Arsenal rode their luck on a couple of occasions, with Ollie Watkins missing golden opportunities to put his side ahead. In the first half, Watkins scuffed a shot wide with the goal gaping, and in the second half, his close-range effort struck the crossbar and fell kindly to him. Aston Villa fans anticipated a goal, but Watkins' subsequent header found the only spot where Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya could produce a miraculous save. These pivotal moments ultimately played a substantial role in shaping the outcome of the game.

The Gunners, however, were clinical when presented with their own significant chances, demonstrating resilience in the face of Villa's relentless pressure. This result is a testament to their progress, especially considering their upcoming fixtures against Tottenham and Manchester City. Starting the season with challenging away games like these will determine whether Arsenal have indeed taken a significant stride towards title contention. Early signs certainly look promising for the Gunners, who have sent a resounding message with this victory.

Adding to Arsenal's triumph, Leandro Trossard once again showcased his killer instincts off the bench. Just two minutes after his introduction, the Belgian forward found the back of the net, giving his side a crucial 1-0 lead. Trossard's consistent ability to score when it matters most has surely caught the attention of manager Mikel Arteta. His reaction after the goal, though initially miffed, conveyed a clear message to the coach: "You can count on me." It would be surprising if Trossard does not feature prominently in the starting lineup against Tottenham and Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa can take solace in the impressive performance of 22-year-old Morgan Rogers, who occupied the attacking midfield role. Throughout the game, Rogers' surging runs caused problems for Arsenal's defensive unit. With his powerful and driving style of play, pundits drew comparisons to Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham. An integral part of Villa's counter-attacking system, Rogers provides the necessary drive and creates space for Ollie Watkins to exploit behind the opposition's defense. Villa seems to have discovered a rising star, and it may not be long before he dons the England jersey for his international debut.

In conclusion, Arsenal's triumph over Aston Villa marks a significant breakthrough for Mikel Arteta's side. The Gunners showcased their resilience, capitalized on crucial opportunities, and shattered their Villa hoodoo. With challenging away fixtures on the horizon, this victory serves as a strong statement of intent. Meanwhile, Aston Villa can take pride in Morgan Rogers' standout performance, as the young talent promises to play a crucial role in the team's future success. The Premier League's title race just got more intriguing, and fans can anticipate more exhilarating clashes ahead.