Arsenal have extended their unbeaten Premier League run to six games after cruising past Aston Villa on Friday night. The 3-1 victory over the Villans has moved them up to tenth place in the League table, three points behind fourth-placed Everton.
The Gunners started the game brightly creating plenty of chances in the opening 20 minutes. Thomas Partey nearly opened the scoring when he hit the post from close range. However, the midfielder wasn’t to be denied minutes later as he headed the ball past an outstretched Emi Martinez into the bottom corner.
Arsenal doubled the lead right before the stroke of halftime. Following a VAR review on a tackle on Alexandre Lacazette, referee Craig Pawson awarded a penalty to the home team. Aubameyang was initially denied from the spot by Martinez but the forward managed to score from the rebound.
The north Londoners put the game past Villa’s reach when Emile Smith Rowe finished off a sumptuous counter-attacking move with a goal. A late second-half goal from Jacob Ramsey was nothing more than a consolation for the visitors.
Here are four talking points from the game:
1. Lacazette deserves a place in the starting lineup:
The Frenchman has entered the final year of his contract and there is uncertainty surrounding his future at the Emirates. He was awarded his first start of this season on Friday after impressing during a cameo against Crystal Palace.
The striker made some significant contributions in the game and was at the heart of most of the attacks Arsenal mustered. He also won a penalty, which helped the team gain a foothold in the game.
2. It is Partey time:
Thomas Partey was a big-money signing by the Gunners last season. It is fair to say the Ghanian has not lived up to the high standards. Injuries have hindered his progress and his maiden goal for the club was long overdue.
The midfielder got in between the defenders and headed the first goal of the match. His smart movement during set-pieces was causing all sorts of problems for the Villa defense.
3. Impressive display from Tavares:
Nuno Tavares was handed a rare start by Mikel Arteta as Kieran Tierney was ruled out due to bruised ankles. The Portuguese fullback was very dynamic in his gameplay, occupying advanced positions on the left flank. He was unlucky not to have registered an assist after sending in a good diagonal through ball to Bukayo Saka, who could not convert.
4. Arsenal continue their unbeaten run:
The Gunners endured a grueling start to the campaign. After three consecutive losses in the opening three games, they sat at the bottom of the League table. However, they have turned it around since.
The north Londoners have secured 14 points from the last six games. The dominant display against the Villans was, arguably, one of the best displays by the team under Arteta. If they can manage to replicate such performances, a top-six finish is well within their reach.
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