Superstar Saka, Perfect Partey: 5 Talking points from Arsenal's 1-0 win over Aston Villa | EPL 2021/22

#3 Arsenal’s top scorer starts!

Emile Smith-Rowe has scored 10 goals for Arsenal this season

At no other team in the world, does the top scorer of the team start games on the bench – at Arsenal that happens. Such is the quality and competition for the wide positions and the #10 role, that Emile Smith-Rowe has found himself on the bench eight times in the league this season. Today, due to an unfortunate illness to the in-form Gabriel Martinelli, the England international found himself back in the starting XI.

In a tireless performance, ESR couldn’t mark his return to the starting XI with a trademark goal, but he did run his socks off down the left flank. Up against an energetic Matty Cash, the 21-year-old won 6 duels and 5 free kicks for the team. He wasn’t free-flowing in the final third or in transition, but his manager will appreciate his faultless work rate.

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#2 Thomas Partey is on another level

Are there many midfielders better than Thomas Partey right now?

I’m beginning to run out of superlatives to describe Thomas Partey. Since Arteta switched to an unofficial 4-3-3, with Xhaka at LCM and Partey as the holding midfielder, the Ghanaian has single-handedly run games through the middle.

Up against an energetic Villa trio, Partey maintained an impressive 88% pass accuracy, winning 5 duels, making 2 interceptions, 2 tackles and creating 1 chance. He’s a complete midfielder and on his day, he’s one of the best in the world at what he does.

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#1 Superstar Saka

Aston Villa v Arsenal - Premier League

Bukayo Saka’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of meteoric. The 20-year-old hasn’t just become one of Arsenal’s best players, but he’s been adopted as the nation’s darling. He’s now a regular in Gareth Southgate’s squad and has made himself the first name on Arteta’s team sheet.

Up against an experienced Ashley Young, the youngster ran him ragged and with his tireless workrate and ingenuity. The winger had 49 touches of the ball, completed 19 passes, won 4 duels, created 2 chances, and scored the game's only goal. That makes it 15 goals and assists for the England international this season and there’s still a third of the campaign left.