A major setback in Arsenal’s title chase last season was their loss to Aston Villa — not once but in both games last season.
And Gunners manager Mikel Arteta has now made it clear his side needs to step up, against the side they lost 2-0 at the Emirates and 1-0 at Villa Park, in the 2023-24 campaign.
Following their 2-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend to kickstart their 2024-25 Premier League season, the North London side travel to face Unai Emery’s side who finished fourth in the previous campaign.
“They scored and we didn’t, it’s very simple,” Arteta said to newsmen concerning the two defeats by Villa last season.
“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.”
The 42-year-old also had words of praise for the job Emery has done at Villa, who defeated West Ham United 2-1 in their campaign opener.
“They are a really good side, really well coached,” the Spaniard added.
“They dominate every aspect of the game. When you give them space to run they are phenomenal and when they have to find space they are able to do that. Set pieces as well.”
