What the Premier League is all about: Trossard a great replacement for Jesus, Emery can make Villans’ European dream come true

Arsenal’s new offensive trio has caught on well, and the Gunners jumped to a five-point lead at the top of the league on Wednesday. In the fifth part of our weekly column, in which we analyse interesting facts from the world of English football, we also take a brief look at Fulham and Aston Villa.

Arsenal better off without a midfielder

This theme was already resonating after the win at Leicester and the triumph over Everton only confirmed it. The Gunners have to play Leandro Trossard in place of Eddie Nketiah in the absence of Gabriel Jesus.

The Belgian international will give more freedom to Gabriel Martinelli, as both players can do it on the left and in a spearhead role, therefore they can change positions. This was beautifully demonstrated in the winning goal at the Foxes stadium when Trossard sent Martinelli into the scoring action.

Nketiah now lacks luck and quality in the end, plus Arsenal are used to playing without a classic striker. Jesus is also more of a workman who opens up space for the wingers with his movement.

After all, Martinelli has missed eight consecutive rounds with Nketiah at the base. Trossard came on and the Brazilian winger has three hits in two games.

Solomon’s asking for a base

If anyone went up rapidly with form in February, it was Manor left winger Solomon. The Israeli international has turned out to be an extremely important joker for Fulham, who have hit the bench in the last three rounds and scored each time.

But fans and pundits alike are asking for the basics. In the FA Cup, they got their wish and Solomon repaid the trust with a goal in the 2-0 win against Leeds. In coach Marco Silva’s defence, however, it should be mentioned that rival Willian is also very good and Fulham need his experience.

Villans with an eye on Europe

A year and a half since a significant strengthening, Aston Villa are finally fulfilling their potential. They came into the season with the seventh most valuable squad of the season, but they are not playing for the top 7 due to a poor start. Nevertheless, the progress since August is evident.

Only February’s run of three losing rounds stands out, with Villa putting in solid performances against both Manchester City and Arsenal. Under Unai Emery, the Villans have beaten Leeds Tottenham, Southampton, Chelsea, Brighton and Manchester United.

Emery’s experience has given the team confidence, Emiliano Buendia or John McGinn are back to their best form, Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Martinez are stalwarts. Eight points adrift of the top seven, it’s going to be tough. But next year’s edition will undoubtedly be one of the dark horses of the competition.

Source: Premier League