What can we learn from Aston Villa v Arsenal
We take a look at what can we learn from Aston Villa v Arsenal. Covering who passed the eye test, the biggest returners, who topped the bonus points, line-ups, key moments, player minutes and overall implications that could affect FPL moving forward.
In a change of format from the original match report structure we now cover even more! Looking at what can we learn from Aston Villa v Arsenal will provide even more information for FPL managers to consider for their future plans.
Line-ups – Aston Villa
Line-ups – Arsenal
Key moments – first half
- The first half gets underway.
- GOAL! Aston Villa lead after defender Matty Cash (£4.6m) whips a ball into the path of striker Ollie Watkins (£7.1m) who jiggles past the Arsenal defence to slot the ball past the goalkeepers right side with a low shot! It’s 1-0 to Aston Villa!
- GOAL! Arsenal midfielder Bukayo Saka (£8.3m) hits a stunning half volley into the roof of the net after a ball ricochets off the head of Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings (£4.3m) straight into his path. Its 1-1!
- GOAL! Aston Villa are back ahead. Aston Villa defender Alex Moreno (£4.4m) makes a darting run down Arsenal’s left hand side and slides the ball across to midfielder Philippe Coutinho (£6.6m) who calmy places the ball passed the goalkeeper! It’s 2-1 to Aston Villa!
- Bukayo Saka picks up a yellow card for his foul.
- The whistle blows for half time.
Key moments – second half
- The second half gets underway.
- Bukayo Saka has gone to floor with an injury but with medical treatment tries to continue.
- CHANCE! Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah (£6.8m) leaps to a lofted cross into the box, makes headed contact but strikes the crossbar!.
- GOAL! Arsenal midfielder Martin Ødegaard (£7m) slips the ball into the path of defender Oleksandr Zinchenko (£5.1m) who rifles a low long range shot into the bottom of the net! It’s 2-2!
- GOAL! Arsenal midfielder Jorginho (£5.8m) finds space to smash a ball towards goal. The shot hits the crossbar then the goalkeeper and spills into the back of the net! It’s 3-2 to Arsenal!
- CHANCE! Aston Villa midfielder Leon Bailey (£4.4m) speeds forward on the counter attack to unleash a powerful shot but the goalkeeper makes a slight save to clip it onto the woodwork and away from danger.
- GOAL! Aston Villa pile forward but leave plenty of room for the counter attack. With a goal gaping Gabriel Martinelli runs the ball into the empty net! It;s 4-2 to Arsenal.
- The match ends 4-2 to Arsenal.
Which players passed the eye test?
- Bukayo Saka was one of the standout players in the match. The winger was constantly a threat and always looking to cut into the opposition’s box to release a left footed shot. Saka was Arsenal’s biggest threat and if that wasn’t enough he also scored a fantastic half volley.
- Ollie Watkins put had a great performance. The striker was strong, held up play, made bursting runs on the counter-attack and looked a constant threat. Watkins also scored which reinforced his very good display.
Who returned the most points?
- Martin Ødegaard hit eight points in FPL after creating an assist and collecting three bonus points.
- Philippe Coutinho picked up eight points for his goal and bonus.
- Oleksandr Zinchenko scored to hit seven points in FPL.
Minutes
- Philipe Coutinho played just 67 minutes.
- Leon Bailey failed to start the match but came on in the 67th minute.
- Gabriel Martinelli failed to start the match but came on in the 68th minute.
- Aston Villa defender Lucas Digne (£4.6m) did not start the game, he came on in the 78th minute.
- Ollie Watkins played until the 78th minute.
- Arsenal defender Ben White lasted until the 79th minute before being substituted.
Overall FPL implications
- Those looking at Leon Bailey as an enabler moving forward should monitor his minutes as he did not start the game.
- Gabriel Martinelli could well be a sell. The Brazilian has had his minutes managed over the last several matches and he even failed to start the game today.
- Lucas Digne and Alex Moreno could have their minutes shared looking ahead.
- Ben White put in a great performance and could have a good chance of starting both matches in Gameweek 25.
- Martin Ødegaard looked slightly off the boil but still came away with an assist.
- Eddie Nketiah was unlucky again. He could have scored and if it wasn’t for Martin Ødegaard’s poor finish he would have picked up an assist. He could still be a great option until Gabriel Jesus returns.
- Arsenal still look like a very good offensive unit but defensively there are clear concerns about their ability to keep clean sheets.
Check up with one of our FPL experts in our article right here.
