Mikel Arteta has declared his intention to make every visiting team "suffer" at the Emirates Stadium, setting the tone for a crucial Premier League clash against Aston Villa on Tuesday night. The Arsenal manager is seeking revenge for a "cruel" 2-1 defeat at Villa Park earlier in December, sealed by a 95th-minute winner from Emi Buendía.
Learning from a 'Cruel' Defeat
Reflecting on the dramatic loss three weeks ago, Arteta admitted his side would analyse the match closely. "We’ll watch it back," he said. "I have a few ideas and things that we have to do better. And it was quite cruel, as well, the way we lost it. But yeah, we learned from it." He believes that painful memory can be a powerful motivator if channelled correctly.
The Gunners have remained unbeaten since that setback, winning five consecutive games in all competitions. However, their recent home form has been characterised by profligacy in front of goal. In their last three outings at the Emirates against Wolves, Crystal Palace, and Brighton, Arsenal amassed 65 shots but scored only five times—four of which were own goals forced from opposition players.
Villa's Stunning Form Makes Them Title Contenders
Arsenal's opponents arrive in formidable shape. Unai Emery's Aston Villa equalled a century-old club record with their 11th consecutive home win by coming from behind to beat Chelsea on Saturday. Their remarkable surge means they are now just three points behind the league leaders.
While Emery plays down title talk, Arteta is unequivocal. "They are meant to be there," he stated. "Look what they are doing and how consistent they have been, what Unai has done with the club. So I think they fully deserve that credit." He clearly views Villa as a significant threat in the championship race.
When questioned about Arsenal's reliance on opposition own goals, Arteta reframed it as part of his desired strategy: "Well, that’s what we want – that every opponent that comes here suffers."
Team News and January Transfer Plans
Arsenal could be bolstered by the return of centre-back Gabriel Magalhães, who made a substitute appearance against Brighton after injury. However, Jurriën Timber and Riccardo Calafiori are likely to remain absent, forcing Declan Rice into an unfamiliar right-back role once more.
The severity of these defensive injuries will influence Arsenal's activity in the January transfer window. Arteta confirmed the club is assessing its options, saying, "We’re going to be really aware of the situation and the timescale of certain players... We’re Arsenal, and we have to be looking at it: ‘OK, what do we need?’ And we have to be actively looking."
History adds an extra edge to the fixture, with Arsenal having lost three of their last five meetings with Villa, taking just four points from a possible 15. Tuesday's encounter promises to be a pivotal moment in an increasingly intense Premier League title battle.
