Manchester United legend Gary Neville believes Mikel Arteta was correct to substitute Christos Tzolis at half-time during Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Aston Villa, as the winger appeared to be 'struggling' against Matty Cash. The Greek international, who joined Arsenal for £34m from Club Brugge, was given his toughest challenge yet in his second top-flight appearance for the English champions.
Tzolis's bright start overshadowed by Cash's aggression
Tzolis had enjoyed a largely impressive start to his Arsenal career, hitting the ground running in pre-season before registering two assists in the Community Shield victory over Manchester City. He continued his run in Arteta's starting XI in Arsenal's opening Premier League win against Coventry City, and was the Gunners' bright spark early on at the Emirates, taking the shot that Carl Rushworth could only palm into the path of Bukayo Saka, who scored from close range to double the hosts' lead.
However, at Villa Park, Cash got the better of the 24-year-old for the most part. Tzolis was already on a booking when he brought down John McGinn in the 37th minute, prompting Arteta to hook his new signing at the halfway stage.
Neville's verdict: 'He really was struggling'
'I'm not surprised he's coming off and not just because of the yellow card,' ex-United and England right-back Neville said on Sky Sports' commentary as Eberechi Eze was sent on in place of Tzolis. 'He really was struggling on this side. Matty Cash was really aggressive against him.'
Arsenal came through their nervy start against Unai Emery's Villa to make the all-important breakthrough on the hour-mark, with Saka scrambling home Riccardo Calafiori's cross to double his tally for the season.
Saka's goal praised by Neville
'It's a brilliant goal, it really is,' Neville said of Saka's strike. 'Arsenal are so patient, so trusting of their defence that they don't need to rush. Calafiori does exceptionally well. Riccardo Calafiori just opens up his body and makes that little dart in behind, and then talk about putting it on a plate… The run down the side of Aston Villa's centre-backs which you must say there's not been enough of.'
Neville went on: 'Saka is in the dream position, it's where you want your opposite winger. It's a brilliant celebration in front of those Arsenal fans.'
The result at Villa Park saw Arsenal go level on points with Manchester City, Chelsea and newly promoted Hull City at the top of the table heading into the third round of matches.
Henry confident of Arsenal title defence
Prior to kick-off, Thierry Henry – featuring as a guest on Monday Night Football – said he was 'confident' that his former club would successfully defend their Premier League crown. The iconic Frenchman was asked if he deemed Arsenal to be the favourites, to which he replied: 'Yeah, I think so. You can see what Arsenal are about and what might happen, although you never know what can happen. I just don't see right now a team that can maybe challenge them, although City won pretty well the other day [against Crystal Palace]. That's what makes me even more confident that it can happen but I remember last year also, everyone thought Liverpool was going to be difficult to beat and then they imploded.'
