Forget Martinelli… Key Arsenal star with 0 dribbles went missing v Aston Villa

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Arsenal were unlucky in their defeat to Aston Villa yesterday, as Mikel Arteta’s side missed several chances to level the score.

John McGinn’s early goal was a setback for the visitors, and although Arsenal did create a number of opportunities throughout the game, they were unable to find an equaliser against Unai Emery’s team.

The best of these opportunities fell to captain Martin Odegaard, who could not hit the target from his usually favourable shooting position in the middle of the box. It capped what was overall a disappointing display from the 25-year-old.

Martin Odegaard’s disappointing display vs Aston Villa

The Norweigan has looked back to his best in recent weeks after a difficult start to the season, but could not continue his good form as Arsenal struggled in what became a physical midfield battle.

Aside from missing what were two good chances to score, with one shot going wide and the other well saved by Emi Martinez, Odegaard also failed to complete a single dribble out of two attempts, created just one chance for his teammates, and did not complete any of his four attempted long-balls.

Whilst Gabriel Martinelli received some criticism for his frustrating decision-making in the final third, Odegaard’s usual composure on the ball was lacking, and his chance was a turning point in the game.

Arsenal’s frustrating performance

Whilst Arsenal fans and Mikel Arteta may be fuming at some of the refereeing decisions during the game, ultimately the loss came down to indecisiveness in the final third.

Arsenal created numerous chances to score, but a combination of poor finishing, as well as sloppy passing near the opposition box, meant that Emi Martinez was not tested too heavily despite the Gunners’ dominance.

Arsenal thought they had found the breakthrough when Kai Havertz bundled the ball in during the final few minutes, but his goal was ruled out for a controversial handball.

This was the second time Arsenal have failed to score in the Premier League this season, after their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle in controversial circumstances.

Arsenal did have more chances against Villa than at Newcastle, but in what are two of the toughest away trips in the Premier League, Arteta’s side have failed to gain a single point despite performing well for the most part.

They have now relinquished their spot at the top of the table to Liverpool, and with a trip to Anfield looming in the next few weeks, Arsenal will hope to get their attack fully firing to sustain their title challenge.