This Saturday, in typical Christmas fashion, Arsenal must face their ghost of Christmas Past. In a vengeful Unai Emery and in form Villa side. The Art of Analysis Previews and Predictions is here!
The Lineup:
This game is going to be tough. I’ve already said it plays as a 6 pointer. With the position on top of the league priority for Arsenal to maintain nothing short of a win would be acceptable. However Emery and his Villa side are no joke, seeing off Man City and keeping their hopes of a title at bay. Villa are poised to upset another big side this weekend and Mikel must make sure this doesn’t happen!
With Liverpool proving to be true challengers this year too Arsenal cannot afford to ‘slip up’ yes pun intended.
That being said this won’t be a game where a side just sits in a block, Arsenal will be travelling to Villa expecting a side that will fight them tooth and nail. We will need to be assured in defence that where I feel the game is won. Whilst I have no doubt in the brick wall duo of Saliba and Gabriels it’s those around them that cause concern.
Ben White is great also, he is like for like in attacking presence and defence ounce with Tomiyasu, but Zinchenko is error prone in defence. Certainly, when against a pacey and strong winger. He is either caught out from being out of position (naturally often the case given the role he is given in the squad to cut inside). But also, his lack of strength in defending. It’s where we will miss Tomiyasu the most here.
The other question is in goal of course. Whilst Raya maintains being first choice, he too has been error prone. But that’s not to say Ramsdale would be any better. Nothing left in the questions of Mikel purely to back the team and hope Raya is learning from his performances and in training; something I am more than sure Mikel is looking at.
History:
Arsenal has enjoyed a recent resurgence against Aston Villa, claiming victory in their last four Premier League encounters, a stark contrast to their previous three consecutive losses.
Their most recent encounter was a captivating affair, with Arsenal twice overcoming deficits to secure a thrilling 4-2 road triumph in February. A late own goal from former Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez ignited the Gunners’ comeback, and Martinelli sealed the victory with a break away goal.
Arsenal has established a knack for comeback victories against Villa, demonstrating resilience by turning around six Premier League matches after conceding an early 1-0 deficit.
I for one would hope to see history repeat itself and Arsenal secure a win, however I’d rather it to be somewhat less dramatic than that 4-2 game.
Key To Winning:
Airpod Albert. Everyone’s favourite Dutch coach is taking centre stage pitch side while Mikel serves his ridiculous 1 game ban and will likely be in the stands for the game. This is a key battle for Mikel and Albert.
First to have the tactical instructions and game plans nailed down from the start so that Albert can focus on in game management and the team talk at half time too. Whilst it is likely that there will be some form of communication happening between the two its whether the messages can be clearly passed to the team during the game. As well as adjusting to changing tactics posed by Emery’s side as well as astute subs when needed too.
It certainly wont be an easy affair, but key communication and preparation will be the key to Albert getting a win for his squad and coaching team.
Predictions:
Scoreline – Aston Villa 1 – Arsenal 2
POTM: Declan Rice
Suggested Bets: Both Teams To Score: YES & Both Teams To Be Carded: YES
Written by Reekesh Somaroo
*Stats by Opta & Fot Mob