Arsenal: 3 massive individual breakthroughs in win over Wolves

1. Joe Willock solidifies

I have spent so much time pondering the utility of Joe Willock. To me, he looked like the kind of guy that, while tremendously talented, ended up either being sold or as a rotational option. Simply because there is no nailing him down to a single role.

That opinion was not shaken when he came on for Bukayo Saka to play right wing. After debating between Willock being a No. 10 or a traditional central midfielder, seeing him come on as a winger was just another vote in favor of my presumptions.

But Willock took control of this match like only a midfielder could. He found space, he used that space, he carried the ball with such coolness and composure. I’ve not seen him play this well before. Not ever.

And unlike an unfortunate Nketiah, Willock was able to seal his strong performance with a beautiful assist that had to be handled absolutely perfectly. And it was. Willock used the space, he controlled the ball, he made the pass.

With it, he solidified that he has a specific future in this attacking midfield.