Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has said that Saturday’s opponents in Aston Villa are a “very difficult opponent”, and expects a tough game at the Emirates.
The Gunners beat rivals Tottenham 2-1 in their last match, after they came back from a 1-0 deficit thanks to an own goal by Dominic Solanke, and a superb winner by Leandro Trossard.
Arteta‘s side now sit second in the Premier League table, hoping to close the gap to just one point to Liverpool, which they could do with a win against Villa on Saturday.
However, the last time that Villa came to the Emirates, they beat the Gunners last season, in what proved to be a damaging result for Arsenal’s title fight against eventual champions Manchester City.
Ahead of the game Arteta spoke to the media, and was quick to praise Unai Emery and Aston Villa. He said: “We will have to be as good as we possibly can tomorrow night, that’s the objective.
“They are a really good side, that’s why they beat us last season, and they proved as well when we played them at Villa Park, they are a really difficult opponent. We’re preparing the best way we can to win well.”
Last time that the two teams met, Arsenal won 2-0 in a tough game at Villa Park in August. Goals came from Thomas Partey, and Leandro Trossard, and Arteta will hope for more of the same this time around.
“We know the difficulty of the team that they are, that’s why they perform so well – they have an excellent coach, very good players and are a really good organisation. We’re going to have to be really good to get the win again.”
Arsenal hope to contain in form Villa striker
Aston Villa won 1-0 against David Moyes-led Everton in their last match after a goal by Ollie Watkins secured the three points for Emery’s side.
The England international has picked up in form recently, he’s scored two goals in his last three Premier League games for Villa whilst also facing tough competition for the striker spot by Jhon Duran.
Watkins now has nine goals and four assists this season for Villa after 21 matches in the Premier League. The Arsenal defence will have to keep him marked, otherwise he could punish them on Saturday.
