3 positives & negatives as Arsenal crumble at home Aston Villa

Positive #3: No new notable injury concerns

Despite what Arteta said regarding Ødegaard, the Norwegian seemed unscathed during the game and did not seem to have any visible issue when leaving the pitch.

And other than Arteta's comments regarding the captain, there are no new injury concerns following the game - which is perhaps a silver lining ahead of a very busy run-in.

It was especially good to see Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes last a full 90 minutes, given their recent injury struggles, while Emile Smith Rowe also made another cameo from the bench and lasted until full-time unscathed, in a real boost for him and the team.

With the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second leg away to Bayern Munich lurking on Wednesday, a clean bill of health is exactly what Arteta will be hoping for after such a disappointing result, as he looks to avoid a slump in form - similar to what Liverpool appear to be experiencing.

Negative #3: Blunt edge in attack persists

If I told you that just a matter of weeks ago, Arsenal had scored 24 goals in just five consecutive Premier League games, you would probably not believe me based on our showing against Aston Villa.

We are once again being subjected to profligacy in attack, while our creators, like Ødegaard, are left frustrated.

The need for the Gunners to sign a 'proper' striker could not be clearer and a feeling is slowly starting to emerge that we will not win anything until we do so.

In fact, I personally have a real feeling that we never adequately replaced Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who, despite an unsavoury exit, was an excellent talisman and former Golden Boot winner.

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