Arsenal won against Aston Villa in what was the only League game played on Saturday. It was a very, very important one for the team. Coach Mikel Arteta expressed his anger over the rest-period his team was allowed for the game because of the schedule. But the final whistle settled all the nerves as the score ended 1-0 for Arsenal. Now the Red side of London can enjoy the international break with a smile.
A sole goal from Saka was enough for Arsenal to grab all 3 points at Villa Park. It ensured Arsenal hold a strong position for the 4th spot fight and maintained control over the lower-ranked teams.
๐ช A strong team performance
โ And a HUGE three points in the bag๐บ Catch all the highlights right here ๐ pic.twitter.com/Z6H3pCrq3R
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 19, 2022
Though the final scoreline was 1-0, Gunners were so dominant in the match and controlled the fixture throughout the 90 odd minutes. It was a commendable effort considering the amount of period they had between two tough games.ย
Arteta-Edu Building a Team
Arsenal did not sign any “big name” players in the 2021 Summer and even in the 2022 January transfer window. The management backed the coach and invested heavily in talented young players who needed some finesse to shine on the field.
Many Pundits predicted an average season for Arsenal after the first few games of the season. But all the new-comers not only justified their value but quickly became stars in eyes of those critics only.
โพ Beating Villa
โพ Our set-piece record
โพ Winning over doubtersCatch every word from the boss after #AVLARS ๐
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 19, 2022
Aaron Ramsdale, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, and Martin Odegaard cemented their position in the starting line-up and proved to be the difference makers time and again. Tavarez and Lokonga got to play a few substitute roles, but they also stepped up when called upon.
Mainly, “winning 2 out of 3 games played in a 6-day period with same young team”ย is a very huge accomplishment for Arteta-Edu to build the team.
Thomas Partey – New Patrick Vieira For The Gunners
Many requested a new midfield player signing in the 2021 summer transfer window. It was a key area for the team to improve after the back-to-back 8th position finish in the Premier League. But Arsenal opted for Lokonga, a young talent, mainly for playing in EFL Cup, FA Cup, and the substitute role in Premier League matches. He did well in the League matches also, but the Belgian youngster lacked some experience needed for the vital field position.
Arteta and the team put their faith in the Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka pair to deliver for the team in tough matches. Though Xhaka’s performances have been a bit shaky and inconsistent, it was Partey who has stepped up on many occasions and put on “Man of the Match” performances.
The winner of the Player of the month in Feb explains his importance to the team. He is on his way to 2nd consecutive monthly award with a strong March performance personally. It would be too early to compare him with Arsenal’s great Patrick Vieira, but he clearly has shown the potential to reach that level.
Saka’s Emergence Is A Very Vital Factor In Arsenal Vs Aston Villa Match
Bukayo Saka was instrumental for the team in the 2022 campaign. He not only contributed with the goals but also helped in offensive build-up. The young Englishman was tightly marked by many oppositions but a talented player of his calibre managed to find his way in the crowd.
His connection upfront with fellow attackers and Odegaard has been key to Arsenal’s success so far in this season. He was used as a wide attacking player in the Arsenal front-line and never displayed a dull moment in his game.
๐จ 2๏ธโฃ0๏ธโฃ0๏ธโฃ0๏ธโฃ ๐จ
๐๐ถ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐. ๐ง๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป. ๐๐น๐ฎ๐๐.
Bukayo Saka bags our 2000th @PremierLeague goal! ๐ฅ pic.twitter.com/S7soZ7OEIp
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 19, 2022
Saka is now the joint top scorer for the Gunners and has played a vital role with his match-defining performances. He truly is an irreplaceable player in Arsenal starting 11.
Gunners front runner for Champions League Qualification
Arsenal’s loss against Liverpool cast some worry-some clouds on the campaign. Their nextย fixture was in the space of 61 hr against a tricky Aston Villa at Villa Park. It was even more important to get the win and hold on to the precious 4th spot. And Arteta’s team just delivered what was expected from them.
๐ดโช๏ธ @Arsenal give themselves breathing space โจ pic.twitter.com/LGRJYJjfLl
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 19, 2022
This win against Aston Villa allowed Arsenal to have 4 point lead over closest rival Manchester United with 1 game in hand. Champions League qualification is very important for the Arteta team, both financially and to bring in quality players next season.
Now with control over the 4th place race, Arsenal just needs to concentrate on some important matches against Tottenham, United, and West Ham United.
Bernd Leno And Arsenal Fans Stepped Up Against Aston Villa
The surprise inclusion of German shot-stopper after Ramsdale’s injury gave Villans slight hope in the game. But Leno delivered a clean sheet with strong performance between the sticks. Thoughย this was Leno’s first start in the Premier League after August, he did not show any lapse in quality.ย
Great win and a clean sheet. Great to wear the shirt again.๐ช๐ฝ๐ @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/4fQxeHWwb4
— Bernd Leno (@Bernd_Leno) March 19, 2022
Some important saves ensured that the Gunners keep hold of the 1-0 lead and finally win the game with the same scoreline.
See More:
- Arsenal Interested In Signing Versatile Barcelona Midfielder On A Free Summer Transfer; Hereโs How It Could Impact The Team
- Arsenal Ready to Sell Two Players Despite Them Being Key Players in the Past
- โฌ35m Rated Italian Striker On Arsenalโs Radar; Hereโs Why It Could Be A Sensational Move For The Gunners
It was not only Leno who stepped up in the game but also the “12th man” for Arsenal this season – the Fans, who made the game easier for the team. Arsenal have enjoyed strong support at home. Now the fans are making noises in the away fixtures also, making it an even game for the young Gunners.
Arsenal will now face Crystal Palace (5th April), Brighton (9th April), and Southampton (16th April) before their big match-ups against Chelsea and Manchester United late in April.
What are your views on the Game? Do let us know in the comment box.
Follow AD for theย latest Matchday updates on Arsenal.