Zimbabwean midfielder Marvelous Nakamba made a rare start for Aston Villa as they stunned Arsenal 1-0 in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

Nakamba was a subject of transfer speculation for a move away from Villa as he appeared to have fallen out of favour with manager Dean Smith.

However, the midfield anchorman, stepping in the shoes of Brazilian midfielder Allan, acquitted himself well on Saturday.

Nakamba made crucial blocks and interceptions to frustrate Arsenal attackers such as Pepe and Bukayo Saka.

The Zimbabwean was linked with a switch to Turkish side Galatasaray in the January transfer window.

“Every time I am needed, I’m always ready for the team. We have a group of good players who are pushing each other in training,” Nakamba told the club’s website earlier this season.

The win, courtesy of Watkins opening minute goal, saw Villa complete a double of wins over the Gunners in the Premier League this season.

The loss put a reality check on Arsenal who were hoping to dust themselves off from last week’s loss to Wolves.