For months, Aaron Ramsey has been trying to persuade Arsène Wenger to give him a chance in central midfield. That is where the Welshman believes he is most effective, where he feels most at home. Against Sunderland last week, the Arsenal manager finally granted his wish and, in doing so, offered a rare insight into how English football’s oldest dog has started to learn some new tricks.

Wenger had not been persuaded by Ramsey’s protestations. Nor had his hand been entirely forced by Arsenal’s crippling injury crisis. It was not a decision reached by emotion or impulse, but one determined by cold, raw data.

“If you look at his Expected Goals when [Ramsey] is in a central position, it is among the best in the