After relinquishing the top position of the Premier League to defending champions Man City, Arsenal will have all to play for when they visit Aston Villa at the Villa Park.
The Gunners had been top of the table for the fair part of the season, but following their 3-1 loss to the Citizens in midweek, they were dropped to second.
While only second due to an inferior goal difference, Mikel Arteta’s boys will enter this game seeking redemption.
This however, might not be an easy game for the Gunners as they play former coach Unai Emery who will have a thing or two to prove to his former bosses.
Both teams have had the same form in the last five matches: Won two, lost two, and drew one, so it is going to be a matter of who wants the match most, who will deploy the better tactics, and which players will show the best individual quality on the afternoon.
While speaking to the media this afternoon in a pre-match press conference, Arteta said that being second on the table now is an opportunity for them to keep doing the things they have been doing right this season so far.
“We’ve talked about it for a few months now, the position that we’re in, the way the team is playing, and all the right things that we have to continue to do to earn the right to be there.”
When asked if the Aston Villa win will help Arsenal move on from the Manchester City loss, Arteta said that it is what the team wants, adding that.
“The players are highly motivated for tomorrow’s game because they want to perform well and win the game.”
Just like Arsenal, Aston Villa also lost their last match in the Premier League 3-1 to current league leaders Manchester City but have rested for a full week, unlike Arsenal who played on Wednesday. They would like to use the energy reserved to return to winning ways at the expense of Arsenal.
Team news
Thomas Partey missed the midweek fixture as a precaution due to a tight muscle, and Mikel Arteta said today that he will be assessed to see if he is fit to play tomorrow. Emile Smith-Rowe is currently training well, but his fitness will determine if he will be included in the match squad. Gabriel Jesus and Mohammed Elneny are still unavailable.
For Aston Villa, Tyron Mings, who has signed a contract extension at the club until 2026, missed Villa’s last game at Manchester City due to injury, and he is still a doubt for tomorrow’s game. He is also awaiting assessment. Winger Bertrand Traore, who was recalled from his loan spell at Basaksehir is also a doubt.
Kick-off is 15:30hrs East African Standard Time.
