Arsenal Vs Wolves: 3 substitutes who staked their claim

2. Joe Willock

While Joe Willock is a central midfielder by trade, late in games, Arteta has tended to introduce him for one of the front three positions.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

Because of his excellent ball-carrying ability to progress play through dribbling, to win fouls, and to release pressure as a result, Arteta pushes him higher up the pitch to provide Arsenal with an outlet. His running, athleticism, and energy are invaluable late on and, from a defensive standpoint, he has been hugely impactful when introduced from off the bench since the restart.

But Willock is more than just a runner. That is his primary asset and it is a key skill that makes him a positive influence on the team, but on Saturday, he proved that he can offer more than just legs from off the bench.

Willock’s assist for the second goal showed real quality. He beat the Wolves defender, played a dangerous, low cross into the box that Lacazette controlled and finished expertly. Willock was generally very tidy in possession, too. He rarely lost the ball cheaply and helped recycle possession as Arsenal saw out the game. While a starting role may be difficult to come by, his performance on Saturday proved that he can be more than just a runner.