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3 talking points as Arsenal maintain 100% start with win over Aston Villa
By Adam Schultz
Arsenal secured their fifth consecutive win of the 2022/23 Premier League season as they beat Aston Villa 2-1 on Wednesday night.
The Gunners were full value for their victory, but again, a lack of ruthlessness nearly cost Mikel Arteta’s side for a second straight week. Arsenal burst out of the blocks and did as they pleased for the majority of the first half.
They were finally rewarded for their dominance when Gabriel Jesus pounced on an Emiliano Martinez fumble to give the Gunners the lead after the half hour mark. Heading into the latter stages of the second half, Arsenal were still the dominant side, although Villa showed better signs.
Five games. Five wins. 🖐
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 31, 2022
GET IN! 🤩#ARSAVL pic.twitter.com/CojFmLvZuR
The equaliser came in odd circumstances as Douglas Luiz whipped in a corner which directly made its way into the Arsenal goal. Aaron Ramsdale had every right to feel aggrieved as he was clearly impeded, but the goal stood.
Luckily, it only took seconds for Arsenal to restore their lead. Gabriel Martinelli got on the end of a Bukayo Saka cross as he hammered home his third goal in five games. The Gunners held on to keep their undefeated streak going, with Manchester United up next.
3 talking points as Arsenal maintain 100% start with a win over Aston Villa
The game provided plenty of talking points, and here are three.
1. Sambi Lokonga impresses
It was billed pre-game as the 21-year-old’s chance to lay down a marker on the season and show that he can be the heir to Thomas Partey.
Against Villa, Lokonga looked like the player we saw glimpses of last year. His passing range, ability to cover the ground, and keep attacking moves going were all on show in perhaps his best-ever performance in an Arsenal shirt.
Some were doubting him before the game but what a performance it was from Albert Sambi Lokonga tonight.
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) August 31, 2022
Proving the doubters wrong…🤩 #afc pic.twitter.com/ZBtesPmxre
He dominated the midfield in the first half alongside Granit Xhaka and kept things neat and tidy. The Belgian was super efficient. It looks like Partey will again be missing for Arsenal’s next game, so Lokonga will have to build on this fine performance against Steven Gerrard’s men.
It is one thing to do it against an out-of-sorts Villa, but do it at Old Trafford against Manchester United, and suddenly, the Belgian will have people talking.
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