First of all, my wish to see Gabriel Martinelli start didn’t come true. Secondly, I was surprised to see Bukayo Saka even play, especially after zero to limited training during the week. However, none of that really mattered, because at the end of the day, in my opinion, Arsenal turned in their best and most consistent 90 minute performance of the year, and against Emi Martinez and a good Aston Villa side.
Arsenal now remains unbeaten in seven consecutive matches, and, at least for now, have moved into the the top half of the Premier League table.
From the get go, the Gunners controlled the match. Their passing was quick and accurate, and there seemed to be an attacking strategy that kept the Villa defense on their back foot most of the match. Defensively, Arsenal’s high press was intense and full of energy which kept Villa off balance offensively. Just one small defensive misuse prevented a clean sheet, but at the final while no one really cared. After losing to Aston Villa three matches in a row, the Gunners had the win and the three points.
Special kudos to Emile Smith Rowe, Thomas Partey, Sambi Lokonga, Takehiro Tomiyaso and Nuno Tavares for consistently pushing the ball forward into the final third creating headaches for the Villa defenders. I have been waiting all season to see this type of offensive aggression for our midfielder and fullbacks.
It was great to see Alexandre Lacazette get a start, too. The Frenchman ran his socks off until he couldn’t run any more. His running mate, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also sprung to life, adding his 4th Premier League goal of the season.
So, next up it’s a Carabao Cup fourth round match against Leeds United on Tuesday. Without European football this season, Arsenal has more incentive to shine in this competition. So, I would expect Mikel Arteta to field a very strong side in just three days time.
Congratulations to the entire club for yesterday’s victory. We have three matches to go before the next international break. Two wins in the Premier League, and a victory in the cup competition would be a nice way to end October and begin November.
Cheers.
Gunner1953
According to The Mail, Arsenal, is in advanced talks to sign Real Sociedad Martin Zubimendi at the end of this season for a reported $61.2-million (USD).
Takehiro Tomiyasu has returned to full training with the first team after recovering from a knee injury. 
Martin Odegaard, “We need to be sharper in the key moments to make sure we get the results we’ve worked for. We have to keep going and keep improving. There is no choice for us now.”
Its Leeds they are a dirty team. Don’t start saka or smith Rowe or Auba or partey.. Get some thugs on the pitch to counter Leeds brutal tactics, Holding and Elneny have to start.