Arsenal vs Aston Villa preview: Kicking On

Today at 12:30 PM

The Gunners welcome Aston Villa to the Emirates as they look to capitalize on Wednesday's NLD win

Arsenal finally got back to winning ways, handling their noisy neighbors in a one-sided North London Derby that gave the Gunners their first win following a skid of three winless matches and another premature FA Cup exit.

I won't be the first to tell you that few things are more enjoyable than putting Spurs in their place. It's never not incredibly enjoyable. But for Mikel Arteta and the players, the afterglow of doing the double over their hated rivals will have to be short lived. Aston Villa and former Arsenal manager Unai Emery head to London on Saturday looking to exact some revenge over Mikel Arteta's side after an early season loss to the Gunners at Villa Park.

Arsenal were up for the occasion on Wednesday, and so were the fans. The Emirates was rocking, rowdy, and raucous, and the Gunners rewarded their vocal fans with a third straight home win against Spurs. Now they face a side that incurs considerably less venom but poses a far more potent threat. Can they bring the noise again and propel the players to another big result?

Here are five talking points ahead of Saturday's match:

Know the Enemy

Aston Villa have enjoyed steady growth under former Arsenal manager Unai Emery. Halfway through the season, they find themselves sitting 7th in the PL table, 5th in the Champions League, and onto the 4th round of the FA Cup.

Things have been good for the Villains under Emery, qualifying for the CL last season for the first time in over 30 years. Their 35 points this season has them level with Manchester City and only 3 behind 4th placed Newcastle. Their 6 losses on the season have all been to the clubs ahead of them in the table and Spurs, who are closer to the relegation zone than Villa are to the top spot, a hilarious reversal of fortunes for the two clubs.

Villa isn't afraid of a challenge, and likely will not come to London looking to sit back in a low block all match. They are disciplined, well-coached, consistent, and capable of beating the best of them when on their game. A win against Arsenal gives them points, confidence, and a shot to climb the table. The rise of Morgan Rogers has bolstered the attack, with his 6 goals supplementing Ollie Watkins (9) and Jhon Duran (7). The rest of the roster is solid, and they are largely healthy.

Unai Emery has proven to be a thorn in Arsenal's side since taking over in 2022. After losing 4-2 in his first match against his former club, Villa did the double over the Gunners last season. The second victory, coming at the Emirates in April, was the lone loss in Arsenal's run in, and proved to be a massive difference-maker in the title race as Arsenal finished 2 points behind champions Manchester City.

Last Time Out

Arsenal traveled to Villa Park for the second match of the season, eager to make amends for last season's results.

The first half saw both sides test each other's defense and keepers. Emi Martinez made a outstretched far-post save on a Bukayo Saka shot, while David Raya got a major let-off when Ollie Watkins flubbed a tap in.

In the second half, Raya produced one of the season's goal-saving highlights to keep the home side off the score sheet. A shot from Amadou Onana caught the underside of William Saliba's leg, sending the ball looping over Raya, who was caught wrong footed. A scrambling leap by the Arsenal shot stopper pushed the ball off the crossbar, which caromed into the path of Watkins for what would have been a tap in header if not for a second lighting-quick save from Raya.

In the 65th minute, Leandro Trossard came on for Gabriel Martinelli and wasted no time making a super-sub impact, connecting with a Bukayo Saka cutback to put the Gunners in the lead just moments after stepping onto the pitch. 10 minutes later, Martinez palmed a Thomas Partey shot into the bottom corner for a 2-0 lead Arsenal would see out for the win.

Injuries & Suspensions

Arsenal got a major boost when it was reported that the duo of long-term injured Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu joined Riccardo Calafiori for training with the first team today. Their return couldn't come at a better time, as the Gunners defense will need rotation in the run-in.

There were no further additions to the injury list following the NLD.

Out: Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Gabriel Jesus (ACL), Ethan Nwaneri (muscle injury).

Predicted Lineup

Attack: Martinelli, Havertz, Sterling

In the post-match presser following NLD, Arteta stated that Arsenal will be actively pursuing an attacker in January, music to the ears of the fan base. Until then, though, the Gunners will need to rely on their limited attacking selection. Gabriel Martinelli came on in the 2nd half against Spurs, which means he likely starts on Sunday. Sterling did decently on the right, and another start could help his confidence grow. Havertz, despite his downturn in form, maintains his spot by default.

Midfield: Rice, Partey, Ødegaard

Funny what being able to play your first choice midfield can do. After several matches of midfield changes, the Gunners started their strongest trio against Spurs to tremendous effect. If there is a change, Jorginho may come in to the 6, as it was evident that Thomas Partey lacks the legs he once had as the match wore on. Captain Martin Ødegaard looked much more himself, assisting Trossard's goal and pulling strings in the attack all night. Outside of a bad miss, he shone under the bright lights.

Defense: Lewis Skelly, Gabriel, Saliba, Timber

What more can you say about Miles Lewis Skelly? The 18 year old played out of his mind against Spurs, basking in the enormity of his first NLD. Calm, composed, and fearless, he's emphatically made the left back position his. Gabriel, as he has made a habit, was dominant against Spurs. Saliba's only error came on the deflection for Son's goal, but didn't put a foot wrong otherwise. Timber continues to be a solid player on the right, though the return of White will finally allow Arteta to rest and rotate.

Keeper: Raya

He could do little to prevent the deflected Son goal, but otherwise commanded the box and kept out two major chances for Spurs.

Fire Away

Arsenal's win over a woeful Spurs papered over the cracks of another inefficient day in front of goal. Declan Rice stated after the match that Arsenal could have scored 10 past Spurs' anemic defense, and he wasn't wrong. The Gunners' high press saw them win the ball repeatedly in Spurs' half, but frittered away a number of big chances. Ødegaard and Havertz both missed golden chances, and Sterling looked hesitant in an early opportunity from a Lewis Skelly through ball.

Arsenal are an elite side in most every phase of the game, but their recent lack of lethality in front of net has cost them dearly this month. Scoring two against Spurs is a start, but Villa poses a far more stout test for the attack. Another display like the previous three, and it will be a long day for the Gunners.

For all of the frustration that the last week (and much of the season) brought, Arsenal are on the same points as they were at this stage last season, with the same goal difference, two less losses, sitting one spot higher. While the injuries, less exciting play, and endlessly idiotic narratives might paint a far different picture, Arsenal are still very much alive in the title race. Liverpool's draw against Nottingham Forest gave the Gunners a chance to gain a little ground on the league leaders. But all of that will be for naught if they don't find a way to keep the results coming.

With no trip to Dubai on the horizon, it's up to the Gunners to find another gear without a break until early February.

WHO: Arsenal vs Aston Villa
WHAT: Premier League match day 22
WHEN: Saturday, January 18th, 12:30pm EST/9:30am PST/5:30pm GMT
WHERE: The Emirates Stadium, London
HOW TO WATCH: Broadcast live on NBC. Streaming on the Peacock app.

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