Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal: 5 talking points as the Villans pick up a huge win in the relegation battle | Premier League 2019-20

#3 Have Arsenal been exposed somewhat?

Despite Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang starting, Arsenal's attack looked somewhat toothless at Villa Park

For as well as Villa played tonight, it’s worth discussing Arsenal’s limitations right now. The Gunners gained as many plaudits as they did criticism after their recent wins over Liverpool and Manchester City, as both victories came through using a counter-attacking style.

However, in Arsenal's two most recent defeats – against Tottenham and then in tonight’s game – the same issue has raised its head.

Both games saw Arsenal have far more possession than their opponents. They took 69% tonight and 63% against Spurs, and in tonight’s game their pass success rate was an impressive 88%. However, in both matches, they simply didn’t create enough chances.

The Tottenham game saw them take 13 shots with just 4 on target. Tonight’s performance though was even worse – they had 7 shots, but didn’t manage one on target, and Villa keeper Pepe Reina was never truly tested.

The closest they came to scoring was when an Eddie Nketiah header – from a set-piece – struck the post late in the second half.

This suggests that – like Manchester United earlier in the season – the Gunners are much more effective as a counter-attacking unit. If they’re forced to open up a deep-lying, resilient defence, then they’re far more likely to struggle.

So what’s the answer for Arteta? Most likely, he needs a true playmaker to replace Mesut Ozil ready for next season. If Arsenal can’t provide him with that, then the book to beating them may have been written.

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#4 Ezri Konsa shines again in Villa’s defence

Ezri Konsa enjoyed another fantastic game in Villa's defence

Aston Villa’s defensive issues have been well-documented this season. Dean Smith’s side have leaked a total of 66 goals, more than any other Premier League side outside of already relegated Norwich. Had their defence been stronger, they may well not be in the trouble that they are.

However, since the season restarted in June, Villa’s back-line has looked much stronger than it did before. Despite taking on some of the Premier League’s most dangerous sides, they’ve only really capitulated against Manchester United. And even that was after a very questionable penalty decision.

Part of the reason for Villa’s stronger back line recently has been the rise of Ezri Konsa. The former Brentford man has made 24 appearances this season but has never truly shone until now. In recent games though, the England U-21 international has been fantastic.

He scored a key goal for Villa against Everton last week, but tonight was all about the defensive side of his game. Konsa and his teammates managed to keep out one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attacking units, and the 22-year old was exceptional.

Not only did he make numerous important blocks and clearances, but his passing was also excellent – only Jack Grealish scored higher than his 85% success rate.

If Villa survive, then building their defence around a partnership of Konsa and Tyrone Mings next season will undoubtedly be the best thing Smith could do.

What a massive win!!! Focus now turns to the weekend... One final push! ❤️ #UTV pic.twitter.com/iknjHYTA6R

— Ezri Konsa (@Ekonsa15) July 21, 2020

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#5 Poor defending costs Arsenal again

Arsenal's defending for Trezeguet's goal was woeful

With the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Nicolas Pepe and Alexandre Lacazette amongst their ranks, Arsenal are undoubtedly one of the Premier League’s best attacking sides. But Mikel Arteta’s team have let themselves down time after time with their defending this season.

Tonight’s game was no different. Arsenal have conceded 46 goals during the current campaign. And in a shocking statistic, almost half of those goals conceded have come from set-pieces.

Their recent loss to Tottenham stemmed from their failure to keep an eye on Toby Alderweireld during a corner, and the same issues repeated themselves tonight against Villa.

Conor Hourihane’s set-piece was admittedly hard to defend against, but it wasn’t like Tyrone Mings or Ezri Konsa were able to charge through to score. Instead, the ball went completely across the box following a flick of Mings’ head, and found its way to Trezeguet, who was completely unmarked.

Even then, the Egyptian forward need not have had a clear sight of the goal. Cedric Soares had a chance to close him down, and failed miserably. And sure enough, that allowed Trezeguet to lash a shot into the net.

With plenty of physicality in their defence in the form of David Luiz and Sead Kolasinac, Arsenal should simply be far more robust from set-pieces than they are. It’s something Arteta will need to work on heavily if he wants more success next season.