Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants fellow Premier League hopefuls Aston Villa to “suffer” at the Emirates Stadium after their come-from-behind victory earlier this month
Manager Mikel Arteta wants to make Aston Villa “suffer” as Arsenal seek revenge for their “brutal” defeat to their title rivals earlier this month. Goals from Matt Cash and Emi Buendia ended the Gunners’ 17-game unbeaten run at Villa Park on 6 December.
Unai Emery’s team extended their winter winning streak to 11 consecutive wins with the victory over Chelsea. Villa are currently level on points with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League and visit the Emirates looking for a win.
And the former Arsenal manager is now set to hurt his old club following Villa’s 2-0 defeat at the Emirates in April 2024, effectively ending their title challenge.
Asked what he learned from the recent defeat against Villa, Arteta said: “I’ll look back at the game. There are some ideas and points that we need to improve on. The way we lost was also very brutal, but yeah, we learned from it.” Yes, if you use that motivation and that hunger in the right way. ”
read more: Mikel Arteta drops new hints about January transfers as Arsenal’s injury crisis escalatesread more: Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker agree with Victor Goqueres verdict as Arsenal star gives clear advice
Arsenal have won six consecutive Premier League home games but have benefited from four own goals in their last three games at the Emirates, including a win over Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup and a 2-1 win over Brighton at the weekend.
“Well, that’s what we want, that every opponent that comes here suffers and we have the advantage for the majority of the game and against Villa as we did today. We will play a really tough game, we know them, we know what they are doing and we have to prepare and play a beautiful game as well.”
Former Arsenal manager Emery insists Villa are not in the title race despite being just one point behind favorites Manchester City.
But when asked if the Birmingham club were genuine title contenders, Arteta said: “Well, they should be there. Looking at what they’re doing, how consistent they’ve been, what Unai has done at the club, I think they deserve a lot of credit because they’re doing it on the pitch where they have to show their level.”
£64m summer signing Victor Goqueres has failed to score in seven games in exhibition games, and Arsenal have scored more through their own goals since September.
He was replaced by Gabriel Jesus in the 71st minute and Arteta now has to decide whether to start the Brazilian against Villa.
Asked if he had spoken to the Swedish striker after Brighton’s win, Arteta said: “Yes, because we want him to score. Obviously he had some chances today, some great positions, but the ball didn’t reach him. So keep insisting, that’s the only way.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
