London — Following a stunning victory, it’s remarkable to reflect on how shocking such an outcome can be within just 15 minutes. Given that Arsenal’s recent narrow wins have felt somewhat unconvincing, it seems appropriate for the Gunners to dismantle the illusion of being serious title contenders.
Aston Villa wasn’t necessarily superior to Arsenal, as the Gunners triumphed 4-1 on Tuesday. The result wasn’t a foregone conclusion, yet it appeared that Unai Emery had a strategy to exploit weaknesses in Mikel Arteta’s team. Villa managed to neutralize Arsenal’s first pressing efforts, pushing them out of position and countering effectively.
Ollie Watkins consistently posed a challenge for his childhood club, showcasing an ability to outmaneuver defenders like William Saliba. Just as a few weeks prior, Villa succeeded in getting the ball to Watkins, who was able to take a shot on goal. Up until the unusual ‘garbage time’ phenomenon, Arsenal had conceded only one shot with an Expected Goals (xG) value greater than 0.5 in the Premier League this season. That lone instance was Watkins’ effort at Villa Park, where he also made an early mistake trying to score after a well-executed play.
Ezri Konça’s physical prowess in stealing the ball from Victor Gokeres, coupled with his precise passing, highlighted Villa’s strong start. Emery strategically focused on battles his team was likely to win, allowing them to impose themselves on the match. In the Premier League, few can bounce back from players like Mikel Merino, who was uncharacteristically dominated by a dynamic Amadou Onana, as Arsenal missed Declan Rice due to a minor knee injury. Even if Rice had played, he might have provided the pace needed to reclaim possession.
An injury to Onana in the second half could have altered the game’s outcome. “Onana’s absence didn’t help us,” noted Emery. “He is crucial for set-pieces and midfield control.” The suspension of Boubacar Kamara compounded the issue, putting Villa at a distinct disadvantage in midfield, especially before Onana was sent off when Villa still posed a real threat to Arsenal’s defense.
The host team found themselves increasingly reliant on their pressing abilities, a strategy that became more pronounced in the second half. In the first half, the difference was minimal; Gabriel almost intercepted Morgan Rogers in a critical moment, failing to capitalize and allowing Onana to counter-attack. Had Villa not been hampered by a blatant dive, they might have capitalized on even better chances.
Arteta recognized the jeopardy his team faced. “If we allow them to attack our backs, that’s a significant issue,” he remarked. “They have players who can exploit those gaps, and we must control that dynamic, as they can transition quickly.” After the first 45 minutes, it felt like Arsenal was testing fate; they seemed to be walking on thin ice in the second half, though Arteta made tactical adjustments without retreating from their aggressive approach.
“I appreciate that,” Arteta said, “because despite facing tough opponents like Villa, we still have the ability to play our game and deserve to win.” Though their first goal didn’t stem from aggressive pursuit, the crucial second goal illustrated their tenacity. Youri Tielemans thought he had broken through, only for Odegaard to thwart him, showcasing his high work rate amid the action. With a deft touch, he outmaneuvered John McGinn, creating an opportunity that Villa had exploited earlier in the match.
Restoring balance to their Expected Goals was crucial for Arsenal. Throughout December, they struggled to score from close range, ending the month with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus finding the net from outside the box, each sealing the victory against Villa from ranges that few could reach. Despite missed opportunities, Villa still emerged ahead in xG, a metric highlighting the disparity between the two sides. Even if Arsenal’s tactics appeared inferior, their execution was more effective, reaffirming their superiority on the pitch.
Fan Take: This match is significant for soccer fans as it showcases Arsenal’s resilience and strategic depth, essential for any championship run. It also highlights the unpredictability of the Premier League, reminding supporters that even well-regarded teams can be challenged and that tactical adaptability is key to success.
