Three things Mikel Arteta got right and one wrong as Arsenal crush Aston Villa
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Arsenal made light work of Aston Villa at the Emirates in a steamrolling performance at the Emirates on Friday night.
The Gunners flew out of the blocks and never gave their opponents a moment's rest in front of a baying crowd.
Mikel Arteta knew he had to make sure his side did not let up after their disappointing 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace on Monday.
Thomas Partey, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Emile Smith Rowe scored but it should have been more with the north London side giving Villa no rest.
The visitors pulled a late goal back through Jacob Ramsey but the Gunners ultimately ran out as comfortable winners.
So, where did Arteta get it right on Friday night – and what did he get wrong?
Intense pressing
Arsenal really did not stop and it was an important message to send after the display against Palace that saw them take their foot off the gas.
Arteta made sure that they learnt from their mistakes on Friday and that spirit reverberated around the crowd.
That started from midfield with Partey and Albert Sambi Lokonga constantly hounding down Villa players.
Lacazette proved right
During the week, Alexandre Lacazette admitted he was not happy with his position on the bench and was given the chance to prove himself from the start tonight.
And he did not disappoint, involved in every Arsenal attack and spreading play with ease in a role slightly behind the striker.
The Frenchman sent a duly message to Arteta with his performance and will be difficult to drop in the future.
Creativity overspill
Every Arsenal player seemed to be pinpoint with their passing and vision which saw them commit wave and wave of attack that Villa could not survive.
Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe were brilliant on the wings while Martin Odegaard came on to make an impact off the bench.
Even the full-backs, Nuno Tavares and Takehiro Tomiyasu, were in fantastic form going forward and just needed some more composure.
Tetchy last 10
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Arsenal had an outstanding match on Friday night but unnecessarily put themselves pressure with 10 minutes to go when Jacob Ramsey scored a sublime effort.
And that seemed to bring back the ugly nerves that have reared their head during Arteta's reign, especially when Ollie Watkins had a brilliant chance to halve the deficit.
Thankfully for the Gunners, they survived this rough period with Ben White and Gabriel managing to sustain any late pressure.
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