There was a lot of hype, noise and excitement around Arsenal signing Calafiori after he helped Bologna to the Champions League last season.
But stepping onto the Villa Park pitch, Gary Neville is already liking what he is seeing from the new Arsenal player and his actions towards Emi Martinez.
Villa’s number-one goalkeeper isn’t exactly a favourite amongst Arsenal fans after repping them for several years, winning the FA Cup and then moving to the Midlands in 2020.
There was also a lot of noise around Arsenal’s left-back spot last season. Oleksandr Zinchenko struggled against Aston Villa, with Jurrien Timber starting this time around and Calafiori then coming on as a sub.
Neville touched upon how the Italy international is a ‘big boy’ and can also play in ‘different positions’.
But what caught his eye was his little coming together with Martinez towards the end when Villa were trying to search for a goal and a late spark.
The World Cup winner with Argentina collected a high ball, fell on the floor, stood up with Calafiori then trying to stop him from running away and throwing the ball out.
Martinez was giving it back to Arsenal’s new boy, but Neville loved the ‘spirit’ Calafiori was showing at that moment, as he told Sky Sports.
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Riccardo Calafiori and Emi Martinez
“He knows he has Timber coming back, but he has Calafiori as well, who comes on and he is a big boy,” said Neville.
“Powerful and strong. He can play in a number of different positions. That’s definitely a response from what he needs from last season.
“Calafiori when he came on looked really strong and up for the fight. He had a little bit with Emi Martinez as well down here, so he has got that little bit of spirit about him.”
Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal is challenged by Youri Tielemans and Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC...
Statement win at Villa Park for Arsenal
Arsenal narrowly lost the Premier League title last season and many believe their defeats to Villa played a part because they were the only team to do the double over them.
That’s why, after only two matches, this is a statement win for Arsenal, especially with Manchester City also starting like a house on fire.
Arsenal knew they had three very tough opening away fixtures, starting with Villa Park, then the north London derby and that all-important clash at the Etihad – Tottenham trashed Everton 4-0 on Saturday and Manchester City also put four goals past Ipswich.
If the Gunners can get maximum points from those matches, then it will give them a huge advantage in the title race early on.
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