Leicester vs Arsenal: Willian patience finally pays off

Arsenal tore a strong Leicester side apart on Sunday, with a display not akin to that of the team put out by Mikel Arteta. The Gunners’ depth has been rightly questioned all season, yet Willian had a watershed moment that signals the end of a long and winding road.

Throughout a largely dire campaign littered with disillusioned displays and inept attacking football, a common denominator during the bleakest spells has been the flailing cameo outings of Willian. Whether from the start or as an unorthodox option in the latter stages, the Brazilian cut the distinguishable silhouette of a man whose heart was still in west London.

His performances have been tinged with an air of melancholy: the meek jogs to close down spaces, the languid attempts to combine in wide areas. No supporter wants to accuse a professional of not caring, but in Willian‘s case, the arguments against that statement dissipated seemingly in tandem with his career.

Mikel Arteta has persisted with him, much to his own detriment. Someone of vast Premier League and Champions League experience off the back of one of his finer individual campaign shouldn’t need persisting with. If you’re not going to hit the ground running at 32 years of age, it’s likely you never will.

Leicester vs Arsenal: Willian patience finally pays off in excellent display in 3-1 win

97 minutes after taking to the field at the King Power Stadium, all prior sentiments were dispelled. Whoever had donned the red and white in the previous 25 matches was a mirage. Willian assumed responsibility, offered genuine desire, moved with purpose and played without burden.

All the talk of wanting to see the ‘Lille Nicolas Pepe‘ was echoed on the other flank as the ‘Chelsea Willian’ had appeared dead in the water. For the first time, it appears to have resurfaced.

He was not exceptional, nor was he magnificent; he was very, very, very good. At his age and with the career comfort he’s been granted at Arsenal, such levels may never be met. Fans and manager alike haven’t been pining for world-class, just a consistent level that’s met with equal measures of perseverance.

This is a giant step in the right direction. Willian won’t be a regular starter with the other options at hand, but he has to demonstrate reliability. Flashes against Benfica and a long-exposure shot against Leicester, this is a genuine sign of progression.