Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, are preparing for what is set to be a challenging clash against Aston Villa this weekend.
Despite Arsenal‘s impressive record of as the top side on the road since the start of last season, Aston Villa‘s 14-game unbeaten streak at Villa Park, sets the stage for a tough encounter.
Mikel Arteta, in his pre-match press conference, expressed his admiration for Unai Emery, Aston Villa‘s manager, and the team’s tactical setup.
“Tactically they are really well set up,” Arteta said. “They do two or three different things. They are really brave to play from the back. They really attract you. They have players between the lines that they can really hurt you. They have players in open spaces that are constantly threatening you.”
He added, “And not only that, I think it’s the spirit that they created, the atmosphere, the intensity, and the belief that they have at the moment that they can go and beat anybody.”
Arteta also spoke highly of Emery’s impact across his career. “He always improves the players, the team, the club. He’s a manager that I really admire for what he’s done in the game,” Arteta remarked, acknowledging Emery’s success in various countries and levels.
Focusing on Aston Villa‘s players, Arteta pinpointed striker Ollie Watkins as a significant threat. “He’s been tremendously consistent over the last few years and he’s a real threat,” he noted, emphasising the need to cut off Watkins’ supply line.
Arteta will be absent from the sidelines due to a suspension. He remains positive, however, about his team’s performance in his absence. “Hopefully, they will play better and they will be more positive and I can influence with my positive mind towards them,” Arteta commented, expressing confidence in his coaching team’s ability to manage in his absence.
In terms of squad fitness, Arsenal will be without five key players, including Jurrien Timber, Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Thomas Partey. Arteta appeared doubtful about a rumoured return for Partey for the upcoming Liverpool match, stating, “We don’t know. He’s getting a very good evolution in the injury. Liverpool would be incredibly fast. We are quite short with five key players not being available.”
As for the ongoing goalkeeper debate, for Arteta, there doesn’t seem to be one. Asked about Raya, who made a number of errors against Luton on Tuesday, Arteta said, “If you look at his form and what he has achieved since he’s been with us it’s impressive. I have three great goalkeepers and I’m really happy. I have great wingers. Some of them are on the bench but there’s no questions related to them.”