Sheffield United 0-3 Arsenal : 5 talking points as Lacazette scores milestone goal | Premier League 2020-21

#3 Arteta's new formation finally brings about a clean sheet

Dani Ceballos featured in an unfamiliar role tonight

Arsenal finally ended their terrible run of games without a clean sheet, with Bernd Leno finally walking away with his net untroubled after a run of 14 games without one.

Granted this came against a side that have only scored 17 goals in 31 games this season, but the Gunners will take all the positives they can at the moment. Chief amongst the reasons, however, was the 3-4-1-2 formation Mikel Arteta debuted tonight.

Dani Ceballos started in an unfamiliar left wing-back role, with Granit Xhaka operating at left centre-back. The fluid formation meant Ceballos tucked in with the ball, with Xhaka moving to the left-back spot at times.

Arteta may have been forced into this formation due to injuries, but with Kieran Tierney out for the season, the performances of Xhaka and Ceballos ought to be encouraging.

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#4 Gabriel Martinelli shines after his injury nightmare

Gabriel Martinelli scored Arsenal's second goal

The last time Gabriel Martinelli celebrated a goal, it was against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on the 21st of January, 2020. One would not begrudge the youngster an over-the-top celebration after 15 months of pain.

The Brazilian has taken his time since coming back from injury earlier this year, and finally looked like the player he was prior to the injury with an impressive performance tonight.

Gabriel Martinelli's game by numbers vs. Sheffield United:100% aerial duels won7 touches in the opposition box4 shots attempted4 ball recoveries2 shots on target1 chance created1 goalA relentless display. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/GBSs29GfML

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 11, 2021

It may have only been a tap-in, but Martinelli's goal capped off a typically energetic performance from the youngster. His shots on target have already bettered Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's last three Premier League games as well as Willian's entire tally for the season.

In what is a crucial time for Arsenal, Martinelli working his way into form may have come at the right moment.

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#5 Mikel Arteta oversaw a perfect rehearsal ahead of Slavia Prague

Arsenal FC v Slavia Praha - UEFA Europa League Quarter Final: Leg One

Sheffield United are hardly the toughest of opponents but Arsenal's convincing performance ought to cheer him off. With injuries racking up all the more, Arteta will be glad that his rejigged replacements have found some form ahead of a season-defining trip to Prague.

Having conceded a late equalizer and an away goal in the first leg, Arsenal have it all to do against a side that have not been beaten at home in years. Yet, if ever he needed a confidence-boosting win, tonight was the perfect night for it.

If Arsenal are able to produce a similar performance and hold their nerve, they may walk away from this awful season with a chance at redemption. The Gunners were not overly tested tonight, but the manner in which the goals were scored and the defensive performance were just what they needed ahead of the game against Slavia Prague.