Aston Villa will host top-of-the-table Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday. Midweek saw both teams achieve thrilling one-goal victories. Aston Villa defeated Manchester City 1-0. Arsenal made one of their signature late comebacks in a thrilling 4-3 victory over Luton Town.
Preview (Aston Villa vs. Arsenal)
When the triple winners onto the field at Villa Park on Wednesday night, former head coach Emery seemed to take a few cues from the Gunners, who had defeated a Rodri-less City 1-0 two months prior courtesy to a deflected winner in the second half. Emery had yet to defeat Pep Guardiola in 13 managerial encounters. However, the latter’s team dominated every aspect of the match, save from the possession counter. The home team would not be left to lament a multitude of wasted opportunities. Bailey’s strike took a big nick off Ruben Dias and found its way into the net.
In addition to two swift opportunities for former Arsenal player Emiliano Martinez to deny, Man City looked uninspired in the West Midlands and rightfully returned home empty-handed, while Emery’s lively Villa celebrated their incredible 14th straight Premier League home victory. With just a two-point deficit against Liverpool and a four-point gap against forthcoming opponents Arsenal, the Lions are threatening to upset the title apple cart and have jumped ahead of City into third place in the standings. A 15th straight victory this season would set a new club record.
However, a more difficult test is undoubtedly in store on Saturday. With three goals conceded to their newly promoted opponents on Tuesday, an impervious Arsenal felt the full power of a Rob Edwards team with nothing to lose. Not a single Premier League team has left Luton’s modest Kenilworth Road with the proud claim to have dominated the Hatters.
David Raya did not cover himself in glory for two of those efforts, but Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, the rejuvenated Kai Havertz, and Declan Rice prevented the Spaniard from blushing. Seven minutes into stoppage time, Rice’s last-ditch header found the bottom corner in front of the jubilant traveling supporters. Arsenal’s thrilling seven-goal victory guaranteed that the Gunners would keep their two-point lead over Liverpool. It would extend their winning run in all competitions to six games.
Team News
Bailey’s efforts eventually caught up to him as he hobbled off the pitch looking a little worse for wear after harassing the struggling Citizens defense nonstop. It is unclear if the Jamaican international will be at risk against the league leaders from the opening whistle. Fortunately for Arsenal, Emery may select a formidable like-for-like substitute in Moussa Diaby. However, Bertrand Traore (muscle), Emiliano Buendia (knee), and Tyrone Mings (knee) will not be available on Saturday.
In addition to Diaby, Matty Cash was left out of the starting lineup against Man City. Emery shouldn’t feel the need to change his defensive strategy after holding the champions at bay. The Gooners are already a little worried about Diaby and/or Bailey running wild among the Arsenal defense. The revived Takehiro Tomiyasu is expected to be sidelined for “a while” due to a calf injury.
Ben White can now reclaim regular starts as Tomiyasu joins Emile Smith Rowe (knee), Fabio Vieira (groin), Thomas Partey (thigh), and Jurrien Timber (knee) in the infirmary. The Gunners have also suffered a serious blow from suspension. Indeed, Arteta received his third yellow card of the year during the Gunners’ victory over Luton. It was allegedly for “excessively celebrating” Rice’s injury-time winner. As a result, the manager of the team will not be present on the sidelines at Villa Park this weekend. Instead, temporary manager Albert Stuivenberg will take over.
Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal
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