Gary Neville Hails Arsenal’s Stunning 2-0 Win Over Aston Villa
Gary Neville Hails Arsenal’s Statement Win Over Aston Villa, Declares Gunners a Powerhouse Under Mikel Arteta.
Saturday Night Football saw Arsenal defeat Aston Villa 2-0, showcasing their increasing dominance under Mikel Arteta. The victory was hailed as a “statement” effort by football analyst Gary Neville, who also noted the Gunners’ streak of 10 straight Premier League away wins.
Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey, two outstanding substitutes, helped Mikel Arteta’s team break their winless streak against Villa, who defeated the Gunners twice in the previous campaign. However, David Raya’s outstanding save to save Ollie Watkins with the score tied was crucial.
As Arsenal extended their unbeaten run of Premier League away games to ten games, Neville thinks the Gunners are a “powerhouse” club because of their flexibility in the face of shifting circumstances.
The Sky Sports analyst said on The Gary Neville Podcast, when asked if Arsenal’s victory over Villa was a statement win: “I think so.” We believed it would be an incredible game because of all the previous coverage of what transpired in these two games during the previous season.
“We anticipated it would be difficult, a true test for Arsenal because Villa is a formidable team.
You cannot dispute Arsenal’s defensive track record. Although David Raya isn’t solely to blame, the team’s shape and defense are excellent until you get beyond their excellent center-back duo and midfield.
“I absolutely admire what Mikel Arteta has done, whether they are defending deep or pressing high up the pitch. They do not declare themselves to be a high-pressing team. They can play deep and adjust to the game’s style as it develops, but they can also play it superficially.
“Arteta’s squad at Arsenal is formidable. In the final twenty-five minutes, they were under siege from set pieces, and they handled it incredibly well. They are now a formidable team.”
Neville was especially pleased with Arsenal’s and Arteta’s responses to the team’s left-back quandary.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has been the team’s first-choice left-back for the past two seasons, started for the Gunners against Wolves in the season opener last weekend. However, Jurrien Timber started against Aston Villa, and summer signing £42 million Riccardo Calafiori made his Premier League debut by coming off the bench to finish the match.
Although Mikel Merino, a midfielder for Real Sociedad, is expected to join the team the following week, Calafiori is the lone new face at Arsenal this season.
“Some of the most fruitful transfer windows occur when you maintain consistency among your team while adding one or two players who complete the puzzle. “Last-back was a problem in the two games against Villa last season,” Neville remarked.
“We witnessed what City accomplished; Josko Gvardiol’s effect from left back was enormous in the final ten games of the campaign. Not only from a defensive stance, but also from an offensive one—his strength, size, and power. To that, Arteta has responded.
“He is aware that Timber will return, but he also has Calafiori.” He is a large boy who possesses strength and power and is capable of playing multiple positions. That’s a clear answer to what he need the previous season.
You discuss how a single goal or two goals might swing the race toward you and win the championship. That might occur right now. I appreciate that Timber closely monitored Leon Bailey. Although he is a challenging opponent, Timber shown assurance when handling the ball, looked strong in midfield, and continues to perform Zinchenko’s duties. And Calafiori appeared quite strong and prepared for battle as he entered the game. There’s a certain vibe about him.
“Zinchenko will continue to fulfill his role when playing the bottom six or ten teams at home and having to probe the ball through confined spaces due to an abundance of possession.” Zinchenko is going to be outstanding in those games.
“But, you’ll need Timber and Calafiori if you’re playing against a really good club, need to keep a clean sheet, require a defensive back post player, and need six big men. He’s gotten that now, Arteta; his adaptation is commendable.”
Neville was pleased with Trossard’s performance versus Villa as well. Just after the hour had passed when the Belgian winger entered the game, he scored with his first touch on minute 67.
Trossard also had a significant hand in opening the Villa defense for Thomas Partey’s second goal, and he also contributed significantly to Martin Odegaard’s loss of a great chance to make it 3-0.
“He’s a very good player, very intelligent player, smart player,” Neville remarked about Trossard. “A crucial member of Arsenal’s team.
“It’s fantastic that you have players in a 21- or 22-man roster of such high caliber and professionalism who recognize that the season will be long and that they will contribute in various ways, not only as substitutes but even starting some games.
Arsenal is on the verge of success, and that is always the case with successful teams. They still haven’t arrived at their desired destination. However, they also have huge league games, the FA Cup, the Carabao Cup, and the Champions League.
“Man City makes every league game extremely important these days; they have 36 remaining and they’re all cup finals. You cannot take a week or two, or even a month, off.
“Everyone will have something to offer. Arsenal will understand that everyone must contribute and perform their duties if they are to succeed this season and win the league. Being left out can be challenging, but Trossard appears to handle it quite well.”
