Arsenal have announced the signing of Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad on a four-year contract.

The midfielder has joined in a deal worth up to £31.6million, with the option to extend his stay for an extra year.

Merino is returning to the Premier League, having signed for La Real from Newcastle United in 2018.

He made 242 appearances for the Spanish side in all competitions, scoring 27 goals and registering 30 assists.

Last season, he won 326 duels, the most of any player in the top five European Leagues, while his 197 recoveries in LaLiga were the most of any outfield player for La Real.

"Mikel is a player who will bring us huge quality with his experience and versatility," Mikel Arteta said of his new signing.

"He has played at the top of the game at both club and international level for a number of seasons now. Mikel will make our squad significantly stronger, with his technical ability, together with his strong and positive character and personality.

"As we all saw in the summer, Mikel is also a winner, with his strong performances throughout the Euros helping Spain win the tournament. We are delighted to welcome Mikel and his family to the club and can't wait to start working with him."

Merino is the fourth signing by Arsenal during this transfer window, after Tommy Setford, Riccardo Calafiori, and the permanent move for David Raya.

Enzo Maresca says that Chelsea's main aim is to offload players as the end of the transfer window draws closer.

The Blues have made 12 signings so far and are the highest spenders in the Premier League.

On Tuesday, they added goalkeeper Mike Penders to their ranks from Genk for a reported €20million on an eight-year contract.

Penders has made just two senior appearances for the Belgian side, both of which came last month, and the 19-year-old will spend the rest of the season on loan with the Belgian side.

Chelsea currently have over 40 players in their squad, with England internationals Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell among a group of 15 currently training away from the first team.

The club's desire to sell players has been well-documented to avoid falling foul of the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, and Maresca says they are prioritising the outgoings this week.

"The target is to solve the economic problem in terms of selling players," Maresca told the club website. "From there, we try to do our best and see where we arrive.

"For us, the target in this moment is to improve players. No one from the club asked me to compete for the Premier League or compete for a Champions League spot.

"I want to see my team play the way we want to play and compete every game. I want to see on the ball a clear idea of what they want, and off the ball, a very aggressive team. The most important thing is to be better game after game."

Kepa Arrizabalaga is believed to be the next player out of the door at Chelsea, with a medical set at Bournemouth ahead of a potential season-long loan.

However, Chelsea are still being linked with players, with Jadon Sancho and Ivan Toney reportedly of interest to the London club.

Former Juventus and Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has announced his retirement from football.

He won 11 major trophies during his career in England and Italy, and earned 84 caps for Poland, playing in seven major tournaments for his country.

Szczesny agreed to mutually terminate his contract with Juventus earlier this month after a breakdown in negotiations over a move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.

The goalkeeper joined Arsenal as a 16-year-old in 2006, making 181 first-team appearances and winning two FA Cups in 2014 and 2015.

After spending two seasons on loan at Roma, he then joined Juventus in 2017, winning eight major trophies, including three Serie A titles.

Since making his Serie A debut, the Pole made the fifth most saves in the league (among goalkeepers to play at least 50 games), making 481, while he also had the fifth-best save percentage in that time – 72.55%.

Only two goalkeepers in Serie A bettered Szczesny's 200 league appearances since his debut, though he conceded considerably fewer goals (179) than both Andrea Consigli (411) and Lukasz Skorupski (301) during that time. 

In a post on Instagram, Szczesny announced his retirement, claiming his heart was no longer in the game.

"I left Warsaw, my hometown in June of 2006 to join Arsenal with one dream – to make a living out of football," he said. "Little did I know it would be a start of a journey of a lifetime. Little did I know that I would get to play for the biggest clubs in the world and represent my country 84 times.

"Little did I know that not only would I make a living out of the game, but the game would become my whole life. I didn't just realise my dreams; I've arrived where my imagination wouldn't even dare to take me.

"Everything that I have and everything that I am I owe to the beautiful game of football… But I also gave the game all I had. I gave the game 18 years of my life, every day, without excuses.

"Today, my body still feels ready for challenges, my heart is not there anymore. I feel that right now it is time to give all of my attention to my family. Therefore, I have decided to retire from professional football." 

Samuel Iling-Junior has joined Bologna on a season-long loan from Aston Villa.

The 20-year-old joined the Villans at the start of July as part of a double transfer from Juventus with Enzo Barrenechea for a combined £18.6million.

However, he has not featured in either of Villa's matchday squads since the start of the Premier League season, with Leon Bailey and Morgan Rogers preferred in the wide areas.

Iling-Junior made 27 appearances for Juventus in all competitions last season, scoring once and registering two assists, helping the club to win the Coppa Italia in May.

Bologna are yet to win this season in Serie A, drawing with Udinese and losing to Napoli, but are set to compete in the Champions League, having qualified for the tournament for the first time since 1964. 

Alinton Frankson’s name was once synonymous with grit and determination on the football field, but he now faces his toughest battle yet—not against an opposing team, but against a severe medical condition that threatens his quality of life.

The former schoolboy football standout, who represented Paul Bogle High and Excelsior High with distinction in the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) schoolboy football competitions and later played in the SportsMax Elite League, is in dire need of Complex Lymphoedema Therapy (CLT) following an injury that has left him with complications requiring urgent treatment.

Lymphoedema, a condition characterized by severe swelling due to fluid retention, has taken a toll on Frankson, limiting his mobility and causing immense discomfort. The treatment he needs, CLT, is a highly specialized form of care that requires significant financial resources—resources that are beyond the reach of the former athlete and his family.

But Frankson’s story is not just one of adversity, it is also one of hope and community. The now 24-year-old’s plight has touched the hearts of many, leading to a remarkable outpouring of support from several major Jamaican corporations and influential figures in the sports community.

In a show of solidarity, Digicel and Wisynco, two of Jamaica’s leading brands, committed $300,000 each for Frankson’s treatment, while KFC committed a generous $500,000 through their Add Hope program, and a well-known figure in Jamaican football, Craig Butler, pledged another $800,000. ISSA has also hosted a silent auction to raise funds for the cause.

ISSA President Keith Wellington (second right) greets Alinton Frankson as Cari-Med Group's Brand Manager Stephen Reid (right) and Tynielle Chambers look on.

Frankson, who was initially reluctant to make his situation public, is now overwhelmed by the tremendous outpouring of support, which provides a much-needed boost in his efforts to secure the treatment.

“I'm really grateful, especially knowing that I don't have that strong family support. At first, I didn't want to take it to the media, but I realized that I had no choice but to do so because I wasn't getting the help that is needed, so I am happy that I did. I want to say thanks to each and everyone who have come forward to provide support, and I will make the most of it,” Frankson told SportsMax.Tv.

Since being diagnosed with the condition, Frankson revealed that he has endured bouts of depressive episodes, but he continues to draw strength from the fact that recovery is very much possible and, as such, he refuses to be defeated.

“To be honest, some of the times when I see football playing, my emotions set in, and there are times when I feel depressed knowing that I don't have the chance to play the game that I love so much. But at the same time, I have to try to encourage myself, knowing that it's not the end of the world and I still have life and there is still hope. So I just keep a positive mind and just try not to stress or think about the situation,” Frankson, who was present at this year’s ISSA schoolboy football launch at Stadium East, shared.

“So, even though the foot at this moment is swollen and sometimes there is a little stiffness and discomfort, my spirit has been lifted even more now knowing that so many people are behind me and knowing that I am supposed to do some therapy session in Jamaica sometime soon. So again, I am really grateful and just looking ahead with a positive attitude,” he added as he fought back tears.

KFC's Brand Manager Andrei Roper

For Digicel’s Chief Marketing Officer, Tari Lovell, Frankson’s situation presents another opportunity for Jamaicans to once again showcase the power and strength found in unity.

“As a Jamaican brand, we thought it would only be fit that we make a donation towards Alinton's surgery and towards the complex needs that are required for his diagnosis. It's important as a corporate business and Jamaican brand to give back to Jamaica. We are all about nation-building, and, of course, the youth athletes are the future of Jamaica, so it would be remiss of us not to be a part of this and not to put our money where our mouth is. So we're really excited to be able to donate to this phenomenal cause, and I encourage all Jamaicans to rally behind this,” Lovell said.

KFC’s brand manager, Andrei Roper, said it was a no-brainer that his organisation stepped up, especially given that their Add Hope program is a charitable initiative aimed at supporting community causes and, by extension, to positively impact individuals facing life-altering challenges.

“Alinton’s plight is a serious one. We know the potential that he has both on and off the field, and so we wanted to do our part through our KFC Add Hope program to ensure that he gets the surgery he needs,” Roper said.

“Separate and apart from feeding programs, we also have extended our Add Hope program to focus on education and culture. In this instance, a young man with a bright future is at risk of having that future cut short, and we wanted to, along with the other sponsors, play our part through this additional donation of $500,000 to complement our $15 million investment in this year’s schoolboy football,” he explained.

Mona High's head coach Craig Butler (left) with Clarendon College counterpart Lenworth 'Teacha' Hyde.

Butler, who was deeply moved by Frankson’s situation, pointed out that his contribution is not just financial but one that represents a message to the entire sports community about the importance of rallying behind one of their own in times of need.

“I have beaten cancer, and I'm also now not well, so I know what it feels like to be in a tough situation, and to see a young man in that position, I want him to know that he should fight. I want him to know that people love him and believe in him. Many times God puts us in positions where we are successful, but we forget the reason why, which is to lead the way and help others,” Butler reasoned.

“When I heard his story, I was moved, I thought of Dujuan Richards, who did a minor surgery, but it could have easily been a career-ending surgery. So, I want to help this young man to start to believe again, to fight again, because no matter what the diagnosis is, God heals, and we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us,” the Phoenix Academy boss and coach of reigning Manning Cup champions Mona High noted.

Enzo Maresca says that Chelsea's main aim is to offload players as the end of the transfer window draws closer.

The Blues have made 12 signings so far and are the highest spenders in the Premier League.

On Tuesday, they added goalkeeper Mike Penders to their ranks from Genk for a reported €20million on an eight-year contract.

Penders has made just two senior appearances for the Belgian side, both of which came last month, and the 19-year-old will spend the rest of the season on loan with the Belgian side.

Chelsea currently have over 40 players in their squad, with England internationals Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell among a group of 15 currently training away from the first team.

The club's desire to sell players has been well-documented to avoid falling foul of the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, and Maresca says they are prioritising the outgoings this week.

"The target is to solve the economic problem in terms of selling players," Maresca told the club website. "From there, we try to do our best and see where we arrive.

"For us, the target in this moment is to improve players. No one from the club asked me to compete for the Premier League or compete for a Champions League spot.

"I want to see my team play the way we want to play and compete every game. I want to see on the ball a clear idea of what they want, and off the ball, a very aggressive team. The most important thing is to be better game after game."

Kepa Arrizabalaga is believed to be the next player out of the door at Chelsea, with a medical set at Bournemouth ahead of a potential season-long loan.

However, Chelsea are still being linked with players, with Jadon Sancho and Ivan Toney reportedly of interest to the London club.

Cristiano Ronaldo will be honoured with a special award as the Champions League's all-time leading goalscorer.

Ronaldo's achievements in the competition will be recognised during the Champions League 2024-25 draw, which will take place in Monaco on Thursday.

Over the course of 18 years, Ronaldo netted 140 goals in 183 Champions League appearances, 11 more than Lionel Messi in second place, and 46 clear of Robert Lewandowski in third.

The 39-year-old's first goal came in his fourth season in the competition, netting twice in Manchester United's 7-1 quarter-final victory over Roma in April 2007.

The following season, Ronaldo won his first Champions League title, proving an integral part of United's winning team as he scored eight times, including their only goal in the final against Chelsea.

He would go on to win four more titles with Real Madrid, enjoying his most prolific campaign during the first of those successes as he netted 17 times, a competition record, in 11 appearances in 2013-14.

The pick of Ronaldo's Champions League goals came during the longest scoring streak in the competition's history (11 games between June 2017 and April 2018), as he scored an outstanding overhead kick against Juventus in the quarter-finals.

The Portuguese forward was also the first five-time winner of the competition and finished as top-scorer on seven separate occasions, including six in a row between 2012 and 2018.

His final campaign in the competition saw him score six times in seven appearances on his return to Manchester United, hitting the back of the net in his first five group games.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the brightest stars in the UEFA Champions League constellation," said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin. "His extraordinary goal-scoring achievements in the competition seem destined to stand the test of time, posing a remarkable challenge for future generations to surpass.

"His sustained excellence at the highest level is a testament to his relentless pursuit of both team and individual honours. Over more than two decades, he has continuously evolved and refined his game while preserving a youthful passion for scoring and celebrating goals.

"His professionalism, work ethic, dedication, and ability to shine on the grandest stage are qualities that football players everywhere should aspire to emulate."

Vinicius Junior says being the favourite for the Ballon d'Or is a big boost for his confidence after a stellar campaign for Real Madrid in 2023-24.

The Brazilian was an influential figure for Los Blancos as they won a record-extending 15th Champions League and a 36th LaLiga title, as well as the Supercopa de Espana.

Madrid also added the UEFA Super Cup to their trophy cabinet earlier this month, beating Europa League winners Atalanta to claim the trophy.

After a successful club season, Vinicius is being tipped for the Ballon d'Or, along with team-mates Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, and he believes that recognition has pushed him to be better.

"I don't really talk about myself or the Ballon d'Or, but it's something that in the last few months everyone has been asking me about and talking about the players," Vinicius told CNN.

"Everyone is talking and wishing the best for me, and I end up believing I am the best and each day that goes by inside the pitch because everyone is saying good things about me, I have more confidence.

"I don't know what will happen. May the best man win, and I know I am one of the favourites to win this trophy and if I can win it, I'll be very happy."

Vinicius would be just the fifth Brazilian to win the prestigious accolade after Kaka, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and Ronaldo (twice), who is one of the big names to throw his support behind the 24-year-old.

Vinicius became just the fifth player to score in both of their first two Champions League final appearances, after Samuel Eto'o, Sergio Ramos, Lionel Messi and Mario Mandzukic.

He was also integral to Madrid's title charge, with only Bellingham (19) scoring more goals than him (15).

"I never think about the numbers while I'm on the field. That's what gives me the peace of mind to be able to score so many goals, so many assists and help my team in the most important moments because it's where I feel the most comfortable, which is playing against the best," he added.

"It's where I have the most space, the most confidence. It's where my team-mates trust me the most, because they know, in important moments, I'm going to be there to help all of them and to do what's important, which is to have fun on the field."

Vinicius joined Real Madrid in July 2018, winning three LaLiga titles, a Copa del Rey, two Champions Leagues, three Supercopa de Espana titles, two UEFA Super Cups and the Club World Cup twice.

Despite their storming success, the winger is still targeting more history, with an elusive European treble as their aim for this season.

"I've always dreamed of playing for Real Madrid, so I cherish every moment like it was the last," he said.

"Everyone wants to win for the best team on the planet, and to be able to play with the best and to be able to score so many goals in so many finals and to be able to help so much.

"I'm only 24 years old, and I want to continue like this for much longer and to create history in this great team I play in today. Not everyone has that chance to do that, so I talk about enjoying every moment in this jersey.

"The Champions League comes first, which is the most difficult competition – followed by La Liga and then the Copa del Rey.

"Each one has its own pressure because the weight of the Champions League is because it's where Real Madrid always wants to win.

"And not only the players, the fans as well demand that of us, to win that competition, but our goal now is to try and win everything we enter and finally be able to win the treble."

Juventus have completed the loan signing of Francisco Conceicao from Porto.

The 21-year-old recorded eight goals and eight assists in all competitions for the Portuguese club last season.

Conceicao also has six caps for Portugal since being given his debut in March, scoring the winner in his country's first Euro 2024 group stage match against Czechia.

Among forwards in the Primeira Liga last term, Conceicao was third for successful dribbles, with 67, behind only Helio Varela (73) and Viktor Gyokeres (68).

Conceicao began his career at Porto, before moving to Ajax in the summer of 2022 after they triggered his release clause.

Having struggled to adjust to the Dutch game, scoring just once in 23 league games, Conceicao was loaned back to Porto last season, with the loan becoming permanent in April.

He is Juve's second signing in quick succession, with Nicolas Gonzalez having completed his switch from Fiorentina on Sunday.

Eddie Howe has confirmed that Sandro Tonali will be in the squad for Newcastle United's EFL Cup match against Nottingham Forest.

Tonali, a £55million signing from Milan, has missed 10 months of action after being banned for a breach of betting regulations during his time in Italy.

The midfielder has been free to train with the club during that period, and Howe confirmed that Tonali will be involved.

Howe said: "He will definitely be in the squad, he is fit, he just hasn’t had the game time. He has worked incredibly hard to be on top of his fitness.

"I imagine a range of emotions, a lot of excitement, when you have a long time out, you have a long time to analyse and reflect.

"It will be an incredible release for him. I want Sandro to come back and enjoy his football."

Howe also gave an update on Callum Wilson's fitness, with the forward not expected to make a return until after the international break.

Wilson, who has been linked with a potential departure from St James' Park, is struggling with a back injury.

"Callum is continuing his rehabilitation from injury; I am happy with his progress," said Howe, who is hoping to add to his squad before Friday's transfer deadline.

"He is working very hard, as he always does. We miss him, he adds a different dynamic.

"He is such an important character around the squad, we hope to get him back soon, but it won't be before the international break."

Newcastle have won on their last two trips to Forest and could win three in a row at the City Ground for the first time since December 1922 (four in a row).

Thiago Motta was delighted with Juventus' willingness to take risks after his side ran out 3-0 winners over Hellas Verona. 

Juve followed up their 3-0 win over Como by dispatching Verona by the same scoreline on Monday.

Dusan Vlahovic scored twice, with Nicolo Savona netting Juve's other goal as the Bianconeri started a Serie A campaign with back-to-back wins for the first time since 2019-20.

And Motta believes a high-risk, high-reward strategy is the way forward.

"You can see the group's attitude from the way they press the opponent," he told DAZN.

"They take risks, but if you recover the ball it's a big advantage.

"This phase of the game is important, we need everyone. Today our forwards worked hard and well, having this balance is very important because it leads us to play games like this."

Motta also had individual praise for Juve's "leader" Vlahovic.

"A positive leader in the group," Motta said of the striker, who has now scored six Serie A goals against Verona.

"He played for the team, doing a lot of movement and above all he is a player who knows how to score goals. I am satisfied with him, he must continue like this.

"Congratulations to Dusan, but also to all the others who applied good pressure allowing us to score."

Vlahovic missed several chances against Como, but found his goalscoring touch this time around.

"I was a bit unlucky with Como, but today the goals arrived and I'm happy with the attitude of the team," he said.

"The results are the consequence of the work we do."

Dani Parejo's 110th-minute goal sealed a 4-3 victory for Villarreal over Celta Vigo, snatching a late win on Monday.

Celta had come from behind to level the score with 10 minutes of normal time remaining and looked to be heading home with a point until late drama flipped the script.

The visitors actually took the lead in the 12th minute with Borja Iglesias breaking the deadlock after Alfon Gonzalez's effort was cleared off the line. 

Sergi Cardona levelled the score from close range, but Celta were soon back in front as Oscar Mingueza's long-range strike deflected in off the post.

Yerry Pino hit the woodwork on the stroke of half-time, but Villarreal turned things around in a four-minute period in the second half thanks to Thierno Barry and an own goal from Jailson.

Carl Starfelt got Celta back on level terms again 80 minutes in before Tasos Douvikas was denied a winner when he hit the frame of Diego Conde's goal.

Hugo Alvarez's late challenge in the box then gave the hosts an opportunity to win it from the spot. Parejo saw his penalty saved well by Ivan Villar, but the goalkeeper could only push it back into the midfielder, who made no mistake on the second attempt.

Data Debrief: Leaving it late

It was a game of football that would delight any neutral, with both teams throwing caution to the wind with an all-out attacking approach.

Villarreal had 24 shots, creating 3.64 expected goals, compared to Celta's 20 (2.74 xG), with both teams registering nine efforts on target each.

It is the first time that Villarreal have won a LaLiga home game despite conceding three goals for the first time since January 2008 (4-3 v Deportivo La Coruna).

Paulo Dybala says he thought about taking the lucrative deal offered to him from the Saudi Pro League before ultimately deciding to stay at Roma. 

The World Cup winner was being linked with a move to Al-Qadsiah, who reportedly offered him a three-year contract worth €75million.

However, Dybala chose to turn the offer down to stay in Italy and was part of the team that started their 2-1 defeat to Empoli in Serie A on Sunday.

"Everybody looks at the money, but I put many things on the table to come to my decision: my family, my wife, the city, the team, and my desire to return to the national team," Dybala told Sky Italia.

"I'm 30 and feel good. I've seen a lot of criticism about the injuries, but I try to work hard every day to take care of myself and perform the best I can."

Dybala has been a fan favourite at Roma since joining from Juventus in 2022 and has been an influential figure for the club.

He scored 16 goals in 39 appearances in all competitions last season, with only Romelu Lukaku bettering his tally (21 in 47 games).

The Argentinian was also involved in more goals than any of his team-mates (26), having registered 10 assists, while he also led the way for chances created (61) and big chances created (15) among Roma players in 2023-24.

And Dybala admitted that while he is happy with his decision to stay in the Italian capital, he did debate taking the offer.

"Surely when you see that kind of figure… I can't say I didn't think about it, but I weighed a few aspects. It made no difference to my agent. It's not true that he would have made a lot of money.

"The most important thing for him is my happiness. We've collaborated for a long time. I don't know how the Arabs reacted as I didn't speak with them directly."

Dusan Vlahovic scored twice to help Juventus secure a comfortable 3-0 victory at Verona in Serie A on Monday.

Nicolo Savona thought he had marked his first start for the club with an early goal, slotting into the bottom-right corner, but he had strayed well offside. 

Vlahovic then put Juve in front in the 28th minute with a low shot from around the penalty spot before Savona did hit the back of the net with a looping header into the far post.

The Serbian forward then made it 3-0 from the spot following half-time, after Juve were awarded a penalty for Jackson Tchatchoua's foul on Samuel Mbangula.

Juventus are the only side to win their first two games in Serie A and Thigao Motta's men currently lead the standings with six points.

Data Debrief: Vlahovic off the mark

After failing to hit the back of the net in their Serie A opener, Vlahovic's wait for a first goal of the season did not last long on Monday, scoring after 28 minutes.

The Serb has scored multiple goals in more games than any other player in Serie A over the last six seasons (18 since 2019-10), followed by Lautaro Martinez (17) and Ciro Immobile (16) in this period. 

Meanwhile, Kenan Yildiz (born in 2005) is the youngest player in the top 5 European leagues to have provided more than one assist (two) so far this season.

We're into the swing of the new Premier League season, with matchday two bringing plenty more thrills and spills.

Big wins for Chelsea and Manchester City were accompanied by hat-tricks for Noni Madueke and Erling Haaland, while Everton's miserable start to 2024-25 continued as they were thrashed 4-0 at Tottenham.

But who were the lucky winners and the unlucky losers to emerge from this weekend's set of fixtures, according to the underlying metrics?

With the help of Opta data, let's find out.

Lucky winners: Chelsea

While Chelsea's thumping 6-2 win at Wolves was the most emphatic victory of a goal-laden matchday, perhaps fortune smiled on the Blues as they got off the mark under Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea's six goals came from an expected goals (xG) figure of just 1.68, with the Blues giving up chances worth 1.96 xG at the other end. 

Madueke was joined on the scoresheet by Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer and Joao Felix as Maresca became the first manager in Premier League history to see his team score six goals in his first away game at the helm.

Unlucky losers: Wolves

It might be a tad generous to suggest Wolves were unfortunate after shipping six goals on home soil, four of them coming in a miserable second half as they attempted to chase the game.

However, it is certainly fair to say the scoreline did not tell the full story of a game in which Gary O'Neil's men managed 12 shots to Chelsea's 14 and bettered the Blues' 21 touches in the area, registering 25.

Chelsea's xG overperformance of 4.31 is the largest of the season by some margin, with Brighton and Spurs both outdoing their underlying figures by 1.57 in their victories over Everton.

No team managed a bigger overperformance than that throughout the entirety of last season, either, with Newcastle's eight goals from 3.92 xG versus Sheffield United the closest any team got.

Lucky winners: Arsenal

Chelsea's win at Molineux was one of just two games in the Premier League on matchday two where the victors lost the xG battle.

But on a weekend where justice was largely done, Arsenal could perhaps count themselves fortunate to leave Aston Villa with a 2-0 victory.

The Gunners accumulated just 0.87 xG to Villa's 1.28, but goals from Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey maintained their 100% start to the season.

This is the third time they have won their first two matches of a top-flight campaign without conceding a goal, having previously done so in 1924-25 and 1971-72.

Unlucky losers: Aston Villa

Villa were a lucky winner on matchday one as they escaped the London Stadium with a 2-1 victory over West Ham, but there was to be no repeat against Arsenal.

Unai Emery's team only hit the target with three of their 11 shots, and striker Ollie Watkins was particularly wasteful as he failed to net from two efforts worth 0.87 xG.

That is the second-highest figure registered by a player who failed to score in a Premier League match this season, after Nottingham Forest's Nikola Milenkovic versus Southampton on Saturday (0.98 xG).