Aston Villa boss Dean Smith was delighted with Marvelous Nakamba for victory over Arsenal.
Ollie Watkins struck the winner for Villa on the day.
Smith said of Nakamba: "I haven't changed the team too much this season because the players have done enough to keep their jerseys. I decided to rest Bert in the last game and Douglas in this game. Marvelous has came into three games now and we've kept three clean sheets now so I know the players who are on the sidelines at the moment aren't happy being there but I know they will do the business when they're called upon.
"I just felt we needed some fresh legs in the midfield area. Douglas had played every minute of the last five games; John (McGinn) had missed just one having sat out of the Newcastle game suspended. I felt it was best to rest Douglas for this game and 'Naka' has came in and gave us some really good energy. He's more of a defensive midfielder than Douglas and gives us something as little bit different."
