Premier League: Aston Villa Looking to Show Arsenal They’re the Real Deal

Aston Villa vs Arsenal

Make no mistake – Unai Emery played an integral part in denying his former club Arsenal the Premier League title last term.

A 1-0 victory in the Midlands in December capped a memorable four days for Villa, straight off the back of defeating Manchester City at home by the same scoreline.

If those few days underlined Villa’s top four credentials, the win in North London in mid-April inflicted a blow to the Gunners from which they never recovered.

Two goals in the last five minutes left the Arsenal faithful stunned and, from that moment on, City were in control in the title race – a control they would not relinquish.

So, this is an early season humdinger and a chance for Arsenal to show that, this time, they are the real deal as many believe.

Talking Points

The jury is still out for me and whether they are ”closing in” on City remains to be seen, even if there are no shortage of pundits who believe they are now ready to become number one.

Yes, they got the new season underway with a comfortable victory over Wolves at the Emirates Stadium last Saturday.

But it is contests like this which will likely determine whether they are ready to move from bridesmaid to bride.

Extending the contracts of the likes of Ben White, snapping up Italian Riccardo Calafiori, and the return from injury of the luckless Jurrien Timber will add strength in depth in defence which, for so often over the past decade and a half, has been their weak spot.

Like Arsenal, Villa have recruited well, although whether they have the squad to deal with both a domestic and Champions League campaign is a big ask.

It’s easy to forget the club was in a relegation battle when Emery arrived before guiding them to seventh spot and then fourth place – meteoric and magnificent from largely the same group of players he inherited.

They opened the season with a fine win at West Ham with Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana scoring on his Villa debut after just four minutes.

Substitute Jhon Duran then netted a late winner to kickstart Vila’s 24/25 Premier League 2024 highlights reel.

Villa certainly have no desire to rest on their laurels, supported by their aggressive but strategic approach to the transfer market, bringing in eight players and moving eight on, in part owing to profitability and sustainability rules.

Emery, the manager of the season for me last term, did not sign a five-year contract extension until 2029 to tread water either.

They also have a frontman who can threaten any team.

With 70 goals in 169 appearances in all competitions, Ollie Watkins is quick, deceptively strong, a clinical finisher, and an aerial threat, but arguably his most underrated attribute is his near-constant availability.

Watkins has missed six league games in four years since he joined from Brentford for £28 million, a then club-record buy. That now looks a snip.

The battle between him and Arsenal’s defenders is just one of many which makes this Saturday teatime encounter so intriguing.

History

It was in October 1904 when the then Woolwich Arsenal and Aston Villa – both founder members of the Football League – met for the first time.

That was at the Manor Ground in Plumstead when Arsenal recorded a 1-0 home win with William Henry Gooing scoring the decisive goal.

Since that inaugural clash, they have met on a further 202 occasions with Arsenal claiming 87 victories, Villa 71, and 45 matches ending all square.

One of those was the 2015 FA Cup Final when the Gunners ran riot with a 4-0 success.

Villa, however, all but cost Arsenal the title last term as they inflicted major damage with a league double.

John McGinn scored an early goal to give the Villans a 1-0 home win in December.

Then in April, when the title was in Arsenal’s hands, Villa mopped up the pressure and scored twice in the final six minutes – though Leon Bailey and Watkins – to deliver a blow from which Arsenal never recovered.

With that, the momentum belonged to Manchester City, and they never looked back.

Betting Tip

Despite last season’s encounters, the SBOTOP Premier League betting odds make Arsenal favourites with quite a bit to spare.

You can back the Gunners 1X2 @ 1.88 and Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 2.13.

Villa, meanwhile, are available 1X2 @ 3.59 and Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.35.

Another 1-0 Villa triumph will pay out @ 13.00.

The last time these sides played out a goalless draw was in November 2012, so perhaps we are due one, though I would lean more towards Total Goals 2-3 @ 1.97 and 4-6 @ 2.74 than 0-1 @ 3.49.

I think these sides will be evenly matched on the day.

 

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