Pain in the Arsenal
Fansided

3 positives & negatives from Arsenal’s 4-2 win over Aston Villa

By Mitch Peotter

Arsenal's Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Martinelli (L) celebrates after a shot from Arsenal's Italian midfielder Jorginho ends up in the net, rebounding off Aston Villa's Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for an own-goal during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on February 18, 2023. - Arsenal won the game 4-2. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GEOFF CADDICK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GEOFF CADDICK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Martinelli (L) celebrates after a shot from Arsenal's Italian midfielder Jorginho ends up in the net, rebounding off Aston Villa's Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for an own-goal during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on February 18, 2023. - Arsenal won the game 4-2. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GEOFF CADDICK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GEOFF CADDICK/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Positive #3: Defensive redemption

Aaron Ramsdale made a big save late on. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Aaron Ramsdale made a big save late on. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /

This was the first match all season in which Arsenal conceded two first-half goals. It was uncharacteristic of our defence to be carved up like that, which is why it’s great that the back line stepped up when it mattered.

Both Ramsdale and Gabriel had huge moments when it was 2-2, and anything could’ve happened. Those saves and blocks allowed Arsenal to win the match so they deserve massive credit.

Negative #3: Positive bonus round

Bukayo Saka haunted Aston Villa again. (Photo by GEOFF CADDICK/AFP via Getty Images)
Bukayo Saka haunted Aston Villa again. (Photo by GEOFF CADDICK/AFP via Getty Images) /

It’s been a while since we had a game like this, so I’m going to do some bonus positives.

Back on Top!: After City’s draw against Forest, Arsenal now have a two-point lead at the top with a game in hand!

Saka, still him: What a goal and, once again, he put the team on his back.

Ødegaard: Outside of his miss, he was fantastic this match; he just ran the show in the second half.

Revenge against Unai: Arsenal beat Emery to get revenge over his win with Villareal; I’m sure it feels vindicating for Mikel Arteta to beat his predecessor.

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