Arsenal’s performance against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa on Saturday night at Villa Park was a huge success and helped to allay Arsenal’s disappointments from the previous campaign. Mikel Arteta led the group in putting on a performance that, although not perfect, gave every indication that this was a team that could win the championship.
Despite their recent string of impressive victories, Arsenal is cautious not to get too ahead of themselves, but this is still a worthy victory. The Gunners did not manage to secure a single point against Emery’s Villa during the previous season; however, this time, they emerged victorious, primarily due to the contribution of Leandro Trossard, who entered the game as a substitute.
But after the game, Trossard was quick to give goalkeeper David Raya the credit he deserved for several pivotal saves that kept Arsenal in the game. There was one save in particular that stunned Gary Neville and will probably live on in the memories of Arsenal supporters for a very long time.
Though they are celebrating their win, Arsenal supporters are also thinking of Emile Smith Rowe, a beloved former player who was not present at Villa Park. Smith Rowe left the team this summer, but he will always have a particular place in the hearts of Arsenal fans.
Over the weekend, Smith Rowe made headlines when he scored Fulham’s first goal in official league play during their 2-1 victory over Leicester City. Despite scoring in the preseason, this goal at Craven Cottage was his first for his new team in a competitive game. Smith Rowe may have even witnessed his old team’s 2-0 victory as his game ended just before Arsenal’s kickoff.
Following his goal, Smith Rowe’s close bond with Arsenal’s current roster became apparent on social media. Smith Rowe is still very well-liked by his former teammates, despite leaving the team this summer for £34 million, as evidenced by the positive comments he received on his Instagram post from players like William Saliba and Bukayo Saka. Smith Rowe posted a picture of himself reaching his objective in the post, expressing his joy and resolve to build on this accomplishment.
With a goal from a former fan favorite and a convincing victory for their team, Arsenal supporters had a memorable weekend. But Mikel Arteta will soon have his team refocused on the difficulties that lie ahead, with hard games against Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion scheduled.
