Ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Aston Villa, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reflected on last season’s encounters with Unai Emery's Villans, who were the only team to beat his side twice in the Premier League.
Arteta emphasised the need for improvement as Arsenal prepares to face Villa at Villa Park. The last time Arsenal sealed a win over the Villans was on February 18 2023.
In his pre-match press conference on Friday morning, Arteta pinpointed the key issue from their previous meetings. “They scored and we didn’t—very simple,” Arteta said. “In two games, even though we had an enormous amount of chances to do that, and that was one of the big differences, one of the details we have analysed. We have to do better tomorrow.”
Arteta acknowledged the strengths of Villa, describing them as a well-coached team that excels in various aspects of the game. “They are a really good side, really well coached,” he remarked.
“They dominate every aspect of the game. When you give them space, they run; they are phenomenal. And when they have to find space, they are able to do that.”
The Arsenal boss also highlighted Villa’s effectiveness in set pieces, which he believes was a significant factor in their victories last season. “Set pieces they highlighted—that’s why they did what they did [last season],” Arteta noted.
With Arsenal looking to bounce back from those defeats and assert their dominance, Arteta’s comments underscore the importance of capitalising on opportunities and addressing the tactical challenges posed by Villa. The match promises to be a crucial test for Arsenal’s ambitions this season.
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