Arsenal will look to get revenge on Aston Villa when they come to the Emirates on Tuesday night.
The last time these two sides met was early this month, when Aston Villa won 2-1 courtesy of a stoppage time winner from Emiliano Buendia. The last meeting between these sides in North London finished 2-2. Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz scored to put The Gunners 2-0 up, but two quick-fire goals from Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins gave Aston Villa a point.
In their last outing Arsenal beat Brighton 2-1 in North London, courtesy of a goal from their skipper Ødegaard and an own goal from Rutter. Brighton did pull a goal back in the 64th minute, but in the end, it was only a consolation. The Gunners remain top after 18 matches, but both Manchester City and Aston Villa are breathing down their necks. Manchester City sit 2 points behind in 2nd and Aston Villa only sit 3 points behind in 3rd.
Aston Villa beat Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge in their last outing to extend their impressive winning run to 11. Joao Pedro gave Chelsea the lead on 37 minutes, in a half which they dominated, however, in the second period, Unai Emery’s side turned the game around. Ollie Watkins equalised in the 64th minute and scored again in the 84th minute to give Unai Emery’s side all 3 points.
As per @HandofArsenal, a reliable ITK, German forward Kai Havertz has been included in the Arsenal squad to face Aston Villa tonight, a decision will be made soon on his selection for the official match day team sheet. In continuation, English defender Ben White has an ‘outside chance’ of making the squad.
Polish defender Matty Cash and French midfielder Boubacar Kamara will be unavailable for selection for Aston Villa as both are suspended.
Arsenal have kept the most clean sheets in the league so far this season (9), while Aston Villa rank 9th (5). Arsenal have scored the 2nd most goals so far on 33, 10 behind Manchester City, while Aston Villa sit in 6th on 5. Arsenal have won 13 and drawn 2 of their last 15 matches at the Emirates Stadium. In that time, Mikel Arteta’s side have scored 35 goals and kept 9 clean sheets. Despite that, Aston Villa have been impressive on the road in the league so far. Unai Emery’s side have won 5, drawn 2 and lost 2 of their 9 games so far.
Mikel Arteta on Aston Villa:
“We have a really tough match. We know their level, what they are doing, but it’s a beautiful game as well to prepare and play.
“They merit to be there. Look at what they are doing and how consistent they’ve been, and what Unai has done with the club. I think they fully deserve that credit because they are doing it on the pitch where you have to show your level.”
Unai Emery on Arsenal:
“They signed players last summer to have two players in each position,” he stated. “They are playing and competing fantastic; they have been so, so strong at everything. How they are building the team, each year they are getting stronger and stronger. It is the biggest test we are going to face this season.”
