According to Pain in the Arsenal, there are some big talking points for the clash between Arsenal and Aston Villa on the weekend. This match will be bigger than what most football fans think. Both clubs managed to win the opening games of the new Premier League season. Aston Villa were one of the clubs that shocked the world last season. Unai Emery did wonders with this Aston Villa team after they managed to finish in fourth place in the Premier League table last season and qualify for the Champions League. They achieved this by managing to beat other top teams in English football.
Unai Emery will try to continue doing wonders with this exceptional squad. The manager will get the chance to beat Arsenal again, which is also Unai Emery’s former club. Arsenal have also managed to gather an exceptional team to challenge for the title again this season. After losing the title and ending as runner ups for two consecutive seasons, the Gunners have enough motivation to comeback stronger. However, as we have all seen several times that motivation is not enough to win titles in the biggest league in the world. One thing is for sure: all the football fans are up for a big treat this weekend.
Past rivalry between Arsenal and Aston Villa from last season
Last season whenever Arsenal and Aston Villa faced each other, the Gunners found themselves on the losing end. Aston Villa and Unai Emery managed to complete a league double over Arsenal last season. This is something even Pep Guardiola and Manchester City could not manage to do. Unai Emery completed the perfect revenge story by beating Arsenal and crushing their chances to win the Premier League title. However, this time the things can be different for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta. Many football fans claim this Arsenal team to be one of the best teams in the recent years, even getting shouts for a treble.
A treble can be a very big dream for a team who ended up trophyless in the last two seasons. However, if any team can achieve this, it has to be Arsenal. The Gunners made some great signings to improve their squad this season. Arsenal have also completed the signing of the Spanish hero in Euros 24, Mikel Merino, this summer from Real Sociedad to improve their midfield. Arsenal midfield already boasts the quality of Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard. The addition of a versatile player like Mikel Merino will help Arteta to finally get the much needed experience and mentality in the squad
Possible debut at Villa Park
Arsenal shocked the world this summer after they signed Italian sensation, Riccardo Calafiori. The young defender helped Bologna last season to finish in the fifth place and qualify for the Europa League. Mikel Arteta started Oleksandr Zinchenko in the left back position against Wolves in the season opener. This extended the wait for the Arsenal fans to see Calafiori in action. Zinchenko gave a decent performance against Wolves, however, there were some errors in the defensive third. It is still not confirmed who will get to start at the left back position against Aston Villa. Currently, Jurrien Timber looks like the best option.
Villa Park was a nightmare for Premier League teams last season. Aston Villa manage to win fifteen consecutive games at their home ground last season. The environment is just too difficult for the other teams to play and Arsenal had the some, difficult experience as well.
It will be a big challenge for both teams to secure three points in this big clash. We will be watching both of these teams in the Champions League as well. This will be a clash that football fans do not want to miss.
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