Arsenal: 3 standout players from Aston Villa victory

Another day, another Arsenal win. We could certainly get used to this. There was some concern that a drubbing at the hands of Liverpool could force this growing team to crumble. Yet after a fairly even midweek loss, Arsenal not only came to Villa Park, they dominated.

The 10-game unbeaten run towards the beginning of the season had positives but there was never a sense of confidence or control. The past few months tell a different story.

A consistent playing style, solid defending and fluid attacking play have resulted in Arsenal’s securing 31 points out of the 39 available over this time period. A remarkable achievement indeed.

On this occasion it was Bukayo Saka who proved to be the match-winner, firing in a half-volley past Emi Martinez on the 30-minute mark to give Arsenal a lead they would hold onto.

Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal: 3 standout players from crucial Premier League win as Gunners maintain top four charge

It’s a result that sees the Gunners record five straight away league wins for the first time since May 2015, with the past three of those coming by a single goal margin. It’s quite special form this team is finding, and at just the right time.

There is a sense of trust throughout the squad. Even with fringe players coming into the starting 11, every member of the squad believes in their own abilities as well as the abilities of their teammates. Elevating a brilliant team spirit are eye-catching performers showing their class week in, week out.

Here are three standout individual performances against Aston Villa.

1. Bukayo Saka, the Starboy

Bukayo Saka has undergone an incredible transformation. He first broke into the side as a cover for left-back and was tried out all over the pitch. However, under Mikel Arteta’s tutelage, he has developed from a youngster with potential to not just one of Arsenal’s best players, but one of the best players in the Premier League.

Saka had an admittedly tough outing against Andrew Robertson a few days ago but he would have been licking his lips looking at Ashley Young going into Saturday’s fixture.

As soon as the whistle blew, Saka knew his excitement was well-placed. The aging full-back simply couldn’t keep up, resorting to last ditch attempts to play the man, not the ball. Young defended less and fouled more.

Every time the young winger went down, Arsenal fans’ heart leapt into their throats. More must be done to protect one of the most exciting prospects in world football. As Arsenal fans we’ve seen three of our players leave the pitch with oxygen masks in modern history. We’ve seen first hand what happens when players aren’t protected enough.

And, you’d think that referees and the governing bodies would have even more incentive to protect Saka considering he’s one of the brightest talents in the whole country.

But, when he’s not being kicked to pieces, and is on his feet running at defenders, he is unstoppable. Saka combined well with Odegaard, drove into the box with grace and poise, and got a much-deserved goal before his early withdrawal.

Starboy.

Continued on next page…

2. Thomas Partey Time

What can be said about Thomas Partey that has not already been said?

The Ghanaian has revolutionized Arsenal’s midfield since the start of the year. He has offered something that has rarely, if ever, been seen in the middle of the park for years: calmness. The composure Partey displays on and off the ball is a breath of fresh air.

Looking across the Premier League, which out-and-out defensive midfielders could you place higher than him on current form? We’re talking Rodri and Fabinho, with Partey level pegging or a closely followed third.

He’s been that good. It’s world class form.

Always an option for the back four, he is the crucial lynchpin in the most congested area of the pitch. Yet regardless of how intense the press is and how many of the opposition players close him down, he finds a way to glide past them all before releasing a quick and dangerous ball to the front players.

Arsenal have moved away from the slow, ponderous build-up that was a hallmark of Xhaka’s time in a double pivot (although the Swiss international has been excellent as well). Partey, even if he is circulating the ball around the back, does so with a sense of urgency. And when he shifts gears to burst through the lines, fans can do little else but sit back in awe.

Continued on next page…

3. Benjamin White – England Newcomer

Benjamin White’s fee and his pedigree were questioned relentlessly during the first three games of the season. There will be no such questions now.

Finally earning a senior call up to the England squad – not his first time, but his first since making the move to north London – has given credence to what Arsenal fans have known for months: this lad is very good.

This is, of course, a laughable understatement. In actuality, White is the modern center back and an exceptional one at that. Quick across the ground (despite what nonsense Gabby Agbonlahor says) and confident on the ball, he commands the backline with a quiet, calming presence.

While Partey provides the composure in midfield, White exudes calm in the back line.

Such is the dichotomy of attacking and defending players. The more people talk about attacking players, the better. The less people talk about defenders, the better. The talk that was on every broadcasters’ show has gone silent.

Let us hope that there is nothing to say about White for years to come. Other than the fact that he doesn’t watch football and prefers that you call him Benjamin.