In keeping with this truly bonkers Premier League season, Aston Villa – who shipped seven goals in their previous two games – travelled to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening and put the Gunners to the sword 3-0.
It wasn’t quite on the level of the merciless performance that saw them best Liverpool 7-2 just over a month ago, but it wasn’t far off it.
At the back Matty Cash resembled a brick wall, registering three interceptions, six clearances, two blocks and three tackles. The ex-Nottingham Forest man also managed to restrict his opposite number, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to a grand total of zero attempts on goal – the first this has ever happened at the Emirates.
He wasn’t the only member of the Villa backline to impress either. Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings were silky smooth at centre-back and left-back also Matt Targett played his role, providing the cross that led to Villa’s first goal.
Also key to the build up of Villa’s opener was their best performer, Ross Barkley. Since arriving on loan from Chelsea, the 26-year-old has slotted in nicely. There was always a feeling that this was exactly the sort of move Barkley needed, but even still the results have been surprising.
Often lost in the shuffle at Stamford Bridge, his transition from wonderkid to somewhat of an inconsistent Premier League plodder had been sad to watch. However, since arriving at Villa Park, the shackles have been loosened and Barkley has been outstanding – even if some of that troublesome inconsistency has persisted.
Against Arsenal he definitely had one of his good days. For that aforementioned first goal the former Everton man played a wondrous reverse pass that split the Gunners backline open like a hot knife through butter.
Barkley also played a big role in Villa’s second, volleying Douglas Luiz’s sumptuous crossfield ball back across goal for Ollie Watkins to slide home. The technique of this pass was exemplary – indicative of midfielder’s extraordinary footballing gifts.
Overall, Barkley created an incredible six chances against the Gunners. The last person to do that at the Emirates? Former best playmaker in the world turned professional Tweeter Mesut Ozil. That’s the level of performance we were treated to on Sunday night.
Dean Smith deserves credit for helping to get the best out of Barkley. After avoiding relegation by the skin of his teeth last season, Smith would have been forgiven for setting the Villa midfield up in a highly structured way – especially with Jack Grealish providing ample creativity from the left
Instead, the Villans have played to Barkley’s strengths, allowing him license to roam at the tip of a midfield trio and lead the charge in transition. Against the highly structured Arsenal this gamble paid off massively.
If Barkley can carry on at this rate not only will Villa continue their surprise charge up the table, he should also be back in the England fold in time for next summer’s Euros.