London side, Arsenal finally saw themselves displaced from the top of the premier league table after falling to a 1-3 loss to champions Manchester City in a rescheduled game played earlier in the week. The loss dropped them to second although they are still equal on points with Manchester City but with an inferior goal difference.
For the Gunners who had only managed one point in their last three games will have to play their hearts out later today in order to end the apparent “free fall” of confidence they have been suffering. But they have it all to do when they travel to Villa Park for a showdown against a bogey team in Aston Villa managed by former manager Unai Emery. Emery who left Arsenal due to his loss of the dressing room will also want dent the title hopes of his former employers and this could be the best time to play against his former team.
Arsenal coach, Mikel Arteta speaking ahead of this weekend’s game praised his players for the level of intensity they have had so far this season and expects them to maintain the tempo they give during training sessions. He said he expects a turnaround today for the team to move on from the City defeat. He gave injury updates for Thomas Partey saying the Ghanaian still had some discomfort and would still be assessed by the doctors to ascertain his availability while Emile Smith Rowe could be available. He however did not give a return date for Gabriel Jesus.
In the last five games between the clubs Arsenal has won the last three encounters with Aston Villa having two wins for their efforts.
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