Arsenal have beaten Aston Villa for the first time in four attempts in a rampant 3-1 victory for the Gunners.
It was also only the second time Mikel Arteta’s side have scored more than one goal in a match in the Premier League this season with the first being in the North London Derby.
A completely different performance from what was seen in the draw against Crystal Palace in the previous fixture as the attacking intent was clear from the opening whistle.
The change in personnel was a big pointer for this as Alexandre Lacazette added energy and presence to the attack but more interestingly it was the change of set-piece takers that added to the threat going forwards.
In previous matches, Nicolas Pepe had been the corner-kick taker and more often than not the Ivorian would fail to beat the opponent just ahead of the front post, which would destroy the Gunners attacking momentum.
However, Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe were on corner duties for the victory against Aston Villa and it paid off wholesomely.
Arsenal scored their first goal of the game through an unlikely source in Thomas Partey who grabbed his first-ever goal in an Arsenal shirt since joining the club in 2020.
It came at a perfect time for the Ghanaian who was starting to become the topic of discontent due to how much of a liability he was becoming in finding the net.
This goal came from an inswinging corner from Smith Rowe which was whipped into the path of Partey who was able to head the ball in.
The threat from corners was maintained throughout the game as Saka and Smith Rowe’s deliveries continued to cause the Aston Villa defence many problems.
This felt like a breath of fresh air after being accustomed to Pepe’s weak attempts from the corner spot.
With Smith Rowe getting on the scoresheet for Arsenal’s third goal and Saka being a major threat down the right-hand side, this should definitely be the wing pairing that Mikel Arteta uses in the future.
It is no coincidence that in Arsenal’s best performing games this season against Spurs and Aston Villa, the Hale End graduates have started on both wings.
Pepe will have to offer more in games from set-pieces and in open play if he is to win back his position in the side.
.jpg?w=600)
