Arsenal's 1-0 win at Aston Villa on Monday was an advert for the Gunners' well-established physicality and control, enhanced by the confidence that comes with being reigning champions and a squad depth few of their rivals can match. Manager Mikel Arteta started with one midfield and ended with another, as Arsenal slowly strangled the life out of Villa after Bukayo Saka's 59th-minute match-winning strike. The goal was a moment of high quality, with Eberechi Eze playing a smart pass to find Riccardo Calafiori, who then fired the ball across for Saka to convert from close range.
ESPN Soccer's James Olley notes that while Arsenal are leaving it late, they have been offered Malick Fofana at Lyon partly because those operating in the market know Arsenal's need is genuine. Christos Tzolis has made a bright start since a £34m move from Club Brugge, but he was substituted at half-time following a peripheral showing. Kai Havertz endured one of his more frustrating evenings, while Viktor Gyökeres, the striker signed last summer from Sporting Lisbon as an upgrade, was once again an unused substitute for the second consecutive match.
Arsenal's overall performance is unlikely to win style points, but it felt like a step forward due to the fixture itself. The Gunners were beaten here at Villa Park last season in dramatic fashion, but there was never any real sense of a repeat this time. Villa had seven shots all game, but none requiring a save from goalkeeper David Raya. After falling behind, they only attempted three shots.
The transfer window closes on Tuesday night, giving the Gunners one more day to find the last piece of their attack.