Aston Villa’s Ahmed Elmohamady limped out of Tuesday’s Premier League match against Arsenal after suffering an injury.
10 minutes into the encounter, the Egypt international went down with a muscle injury after pulling up without any contact – with medics attending to him.
14' | Elmo has received some treatment after picking up an early knock, but he looks okay to continue for now...
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) July 21, 2020
[0-0] #AVLARS #AVFC pic.twitter.com/qYMEeAGXxv
However, he did not return to the field after the water break as Dean Smith replaced the 32-year-old with Frederic Guilbert.
25' | Elmo can't continue...
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) July 21, 2020
Go well, @FredGuilbert24! 👊
[0-0] #AVLARS #AVFC pic.twitter.com/eIVyXM5bqh
Nevertheless, the setback did not hinder the Claret and Blue Army from taking the lead through Mahmoud Ibrahim ‘Trezeguet’ in the 27th minute.
WHAT A FINISH! 😍
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) July 21, 2020
🔥 @Trezeguet 🔥
[1-0] #AVLARS #AVFC pic.twitter.com/qZQmfPZYbR
Conor Hourihane's corner kick drifted unconstrained towards the back post where Trezeguet was on hand to firmly thump a volley past goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
In the second half, Arsenal put up a strong attacking display but were unable to break the resolute Villans who held firm to their night win of the season.
Victory by just a single goal would therefore take Smith’s men above Watford at this crucial stage – with a game left.
They will maintain their Premier League status should they defeat West Ham United on the final day.