Arsenal vs. Aston Villa: 5 Things the Gunners Learned Today

It wasn't exactly the best of games by Arsenal, but the offense did a good job in making sure all three points were collected against Villa, something the defense failed to match.

There are a few good things to take note of, as well as a few bad things, most notably the mediocrity displayed by the unimpressive defense.

Here, we examine five important things that were there for all to see when the Gunners and the Villans locked horns.

When On-Form, Arshavin Is Deadly

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BELGRADE, SERBIA - SEPTEMBER 28: Andrey Arshavin of Arsenal sees his penalty saved during the UEFA Champions League Group H match between FK Partizan and Arsenal at the Partizan Stadium on September 28, 2010 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Michael Regan/

The tiny Russian has been out of form, and out of favor with critics and fans in the past few weeks, but today Arshavin was a beast, an absolute difference-maker.

From his world-class goal to his assists and passes, Arshavin was on fire today as he made sure Arsenal finished the first half ahead and in position for the win.

The Russian is finding his way back to form, and with such an energetic display, fans would love to see Arshavin stay for a few more years, especially with the versatility and depth he gives the Arsenal squad.

Amongst Europe's Elite Clubs, Arsenal Have The Worst Defense

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BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 27: Samir Nasri of Arsenal celebrates scoring to make it 2-0 with team mates Sebastien Squillaci and Laurent Koscielny during the Barclays Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park on November 27, 2

While Arsenal's attack-minded players are a joy to watch, their defense is downright dreadful.

Arsenal's shambolic defense are the main suspects for Arsenal's collapse this season, they get caught with absolute ease on the counter-attack, and have lost to some of the weakest teams in the league and in Europe.

Their three home losses were to Newcastle, West Brom and Spurs, the latter two of the promoted teams and their North London rivals. Couple that with the horrendous away record in Europe and losing to Shakhtar and Braga, Arsenal are nowhere near contenders in Europe, and at this rate, the EPL.

The current defensive players (excluding Vermaelen) are an embarrassment to the Arsenal. Wenger must stop sending both center-backs during set pieces because Arsenal get killed on the counter, something Wenger hasn't learned after all these years, and he must also invest in the January transfer window if Arsenal are to compete in the EPL.

Samir Nasri Is Easily Arsenal's MVP at The Moment.

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BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 27: Samir Nasri of Arsenal celebrates scoring to make it 2-0 during the Barclays Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park on November 27, 2010 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty

Samir Nasri has been Arsenal's savior this season. Whenever he plays, the Gunners seem to possess an entirely different dimension. The Frenchman is Arsenal's current top goalscorer, followed closely by Chamakh (who has been impressive thus far with the Gunners).

Nasri scored a wonderful volley against Villa, and had it not been for his luck, he would've scored another one earlier, but lost his balance after dribbling with ease through Friedel.

Nasri's contributions thus far have been significant, and Arsenal will be looking forward to keeping the Frenchman for years to come. If anyone is capable of leading the Gunners from the midfield, it's none other than the skillful Nasri.

Rosicky Should Start More Games

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BRAGA, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 23: Tomas Rosicky of Arsenal looks on during the UEFA Champions League Group H match between SC Braga and Arsenal at Estadio Municipal de Braga on November 23, 2010 in Braga, Portugal. SC Braga won the match 2-0. (Photo by Dav

Despite the fact that he has rarely scored goals in the last few seasons, and the fact that he seems to have stopped taking shots on goal, Tomas Rosicky gives Arsenal depth with his sublime passing and attitude. When playing, his vision can make the difference.

The Czech international has been unlucky to have been benched in place of Fabregas and Arshavin, even when they aren't on-form. The result was an insipid Arsenal side that only had a lackluster performance to display.

Both Rosicky and Arshavin complement each other and Arsenal wonderfully on the pitch, and are a sight to behold when they make those fantastic passes. 

At the age of 30, the experienced Czech has not only shown that he possesses the loyalty and charisma to help Arsenal on their quest to win trophies, but also that he is a better captain than Fabregas, with his motivation to teammates on and off the pitch.

Arsenal Need a Veteran Goalkeeper to Keep a Clean Sheet.

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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 20: Lukasz Fabianski of Arsenal in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on November 20, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Lukas Fabianski has been great this season, making some crucial saves that led Arsenal to wins over Everton and fellow title contenders Manchester City.

While Fabianski can't be blamed for the games Arsenal has lost (the defense are the main culprits), the Pole only kicks into top gear when Arsenal are under constant pressure and attacked regularly throughout the 90. Sometimes (like today, for example), the opposing team only makes one or two attacks, and the end result is one or two goals.

Aston Villa scored from their only two shots that were on target, and had they took more shots, the outcome of the game could've been very different, Almunia is famous for that very problem, and has cost Arsenal many goals due to a simple shot on target.

Arsenal need to have a veteran goalkeeper, someone who shows awareness and is always on his toes. Schwarzer or Friedel would've been good short-term solutions, but Wenger's persistence to stick with his current goalkeepers has given every opponent confidence that they can squeeze a goal or two when facing the Gunners.

Shakhtar and Braga showed this in the Champions League, and guaranteed Arsenal that their Champions League survival is already in doubt, even if they do get into the knockout stages.