Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterAt the fourth time of asking, Arsenal secured the Premier League title in their third race against Pep Guardiolas Manchester City last season.Previously, they fell to the Cityzens in 2022/23 after leading for the campaigns bulk, again in 2023/24, then to a Mohamed Salah-led Liverpool in 2024/25.The Gunners, who secured the English top-flight crown with 85 points in May, have never retained the Premier League title, however, their quest to do so now appears slightly easier, and less expensive, following an accidental discovery versus Aston Villa.Do Arsenal really need a left winger?Mikel Artetas men emerged victorious on Monday evening, taking home three points following a 1-0 victory at Villa Park.New signing Christos Tzolis, who began his Gunners career with two assists in Arsenal's Community Shield final victory versus Manchester City, was hooked at half-time against Villa, with the score tied at 0-0. You may like Unlikely Arsenal man on course for season-best tally after Mikel Arteta's latest tactical innovation Mikel Arteta is under a very different pressure to go and win it all over again, while new managers have been installed at every other Big Six' outfit FourFourTwo's 2026-27 Arsenal season preview Why haven't Arsenal made the most obvious signing in three years? In came Eberechi Eze, who featured on the left wing for the second halfs duration, in which Arsenal took the lead, and then maintained it, through Bukayo Saka.Artetas side are not short on attacking depth, despite the loss of youngster Ethan Nwaneri to Borussia Dortmund on loan, and the departure of Gabriel Martinelli to Saudi Arabia.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.That was evidenced by both players being absent from the Community Shield final squad, in which the North London club ran riot from an offensive perspective, scoring three in under 50 minutes.On the bench that day were Eze, Saka, Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice, with Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Bruno Guimaraes and Tzolis handed starts versus Enzo Marescas side.And with Ezes appearance against Villa, it appears that any fears regarding reinforcement on the left flank have been alleviated, with the Englishman well-adjusted to challenge for the role. What to read next JULES BREACH: Arsenal are still the team to beat this season, Morgan Rogers can help Chelsea challenge for silverware and Matthias Jaissle will give Newcastle a fresh start 'Arsenal could accelerate move for long-term target 'misused' by Ruben Amorim: report' Arsenal signing Ezri Konsa is a sign of modern football: do they even need him? The statistics painted a clear picture: 80% pass accuracy, three duels won, seven carries for a total distance of almost 100 metres, one of which being progressive, and six kilometres covered.And, more importantly, three points for the Gunners after a dominant second half limiting the chasing Villans to 0.24 Expected Goals (xG) while Artetas side racked up 0.7, and bagged the deciding goal.Much has been made of Arsenals strength in the position, yet Ezes appearance now certainly warrants consideration as an alternate to Tzolis.The Gunners reportedly tried their luck with Malick Fofana at Lyon, but were rebuffed after low-balling for the player. That appears to have allowed Sunderland to sign the winger for a price the French club deem more acceptable, in one of the strongest deals of the summer transfer window.Positioned second in the Premier League table, and yet to concede a goal, the future appears bright for Artetas side. And fans would be forgiven for interpreting Ezes cameo as a firm statement Arsenal can retain their top-flight title, and they already hold all the necessary keys to do so.TOPICSEberechi EzeChristos TzolisKedar BayleySocial Links NavigationFreelance WriterKedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC,he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television,you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.
